Hearts tie up Webster deal

Scotland international defender Andy Webster's recent excellent form has earned him a new four-year deal at Heart of Midlothian FC.

Reputation enhanced
The elegant central defender's reputation was enhanced at the weekend when he helped Berti Vogts' Scotland record a creditable 1-1 draw against Germany in a UEFA EURO 2004™ qualifier in only his third game for his country.

Meteoric rise
Hearts manager Craig Levein - mindful of rival clubs monitoring the 21-year-old meteoric rise from the Scottish Second Division side Arbroath FC to international honours in the space of 18 months - has moved to ensure the player's long-term future is at Tynecastle. Webster has formed a solid club partnership with fellow international Steven Pressley and admitted he was delighted to put to paper on a new, improved contract.

'Great place to be'
Webster said: "I don't think there was any doubt I'd be signing a new contract. There is obviously not a great deal of money going around in football these days and, in footballing terms, Hearts is a great place to be."

UEFA Cup place
Hearts will play in the UEFA Cup next season after finishing third in the Scottish Premier League behind Glasgow giants Rangers FC and Celtic FC.