Jorge Grant addresses Hearts future as midfielder nears end of contract

Jorge Grant has yet to start under new boss Neil Critchley. But the Hearts ace still hopes to extend his stay at Tynecastle.

Grant held talks with Critchley three years ago when the manager attempted to bring him to Blackpool. In the end, the ex-Lincoln City playmaker opted to sign for Peterborough instead but the 29-year-old hopes Critchley still values his ability and worth to the squad. Grant has made just five substitute appearances during Critchley's first seven games in charge and with his contract expiring at the end of the season, the midfielder has made it clear he wants to commit his future with the Jambos.

He said: "I spoke to Neil before I signed for Peterborough when Blackpool got promoted to the Championship. So I knew him from before Hearts. I haven't started a game since he's come in, but he's told me what he wants from me coming off the bench. I've got to try and do that then get in the team and push on from there.

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"I'd like to stay, of course. I really enjoy being at Hearts. My family's here, so I would like to stay. But that's not down to me. I need to prove myself on the pitch and get in the team.

"A contract has not been discussed. I don't think it will be until the club's ready to tell me whether they are going to give me a new one or not. I've just got to keep working hard, try and get back in the team, and prove I'm good enough to be here."

Grant reckons Hearts have already made huge strides since Critchley replaced sacked Steven Naismith. However, the reality is the Gorgie club remain just one point ahead of Hibs at the bottom of the table having played a game more.

Grant added: "We've improved under the new manager. You can see that, especially when we are on the front foot. When there's a lot of games it's sometimes difficult to get loads of information in. We're building up on the information and the things he wants from us on the pitch. We're starting to show signs of that being implemented.

"Against Heidenheim we played really well in the first half, and created loads of chances. You can tell they are a top team, especially on the counter-attack. Their first goal came from that.

"We had loads of good chances, but if we don't take them, we get punished in a tournament like that. We know we need to get points in the league and we will get there. We're seeing improvements week in, week out."