JULIEN BRELLIER will request contract talks with Hearts this summer to ensure he remains a long-term feature at Tynecastle.

The Frenchman is contracted until the summer of 2007 but the affection shown to him during his short time in Edinburgh will see him seek a future in the Capital into his late 20s.

The influential Brellier returns to the Hearts midfield this Sunday after suspension at a vital juncture of the season with the club hosting Rangers in a tussle for the SPL's second Champions League place.

He is keen to sample that high level of European football at Tynecastle next season and for several years beyond.

"At the end of the season I want to speak about my contract here because I don't have a long-term deal," said the 24-year-old. "That is something we will deal with in the summer.

"I want to stay settled for a while and I'm happy here. It's not a problem for now because we have important matches coming up if we want the Champions League place.

"I changed club every year in Italy so that was unsettling. You never know what can happen in the future but I like it here and that is why I want to talk to the club."

Meanwhile, Hearts have advised supporters intending to travel to the away game at Falkirk on Saturday, March 25 to ensure they buy a match ticket as quickly as possible as the club have less than 140 tickets left.

Tickets for the Falkirk Stadium are priced at £18 for adults and £12 for concessions, and the club are also hoping for a sell-out occasion at home to Dunfermline on Saturday, April 8 to mark the 120th anniversary of their time in Gorgie.

A number of special events are planned for that day - the last match before the SPL split - and tickets are available now from £10 for adults and £5 for concessions through the Hearts website and ticket office.

Hearts reserves secured a 1-0 victory over Inverness in Stirling yesterday by virtue of an Andy Driver goal, allowing John McGlynn's side to boast only one defeat in their last 11 games.

And the under-19s' SFA Youth Cup semi-final with Livingston has been confirmed for a 7pm kick-off at Almondvale Stadium this Monday, March 20.

Taken from the Scotsman