Hearts' new signing

MUSSELBURGH youngster, Steven Slater, has fulfilled a boyhood dream by penning a five-year professional deal with Heart of Midlothian FC – the club he has supported since he was a boy.

The former Musselburgh Grammar School pupil has signed his first-ever professional contract and has set his sights on gaining a regular place in the club’s reserve side that will help catapult him into the top Hearts team of tomorrow.

The move came as a surprise to the level-headed 18-year-old following a prolonged groin injury that kept him side-lined for over four months.

Slater has played his football with Hearts since the age of 15 after signing on as an apprentice on a two-year deal when he turned 16.

Slater said: “My mum and dad have been tremendous and they were delighted to hear I had signed, they are both very proud.”

The youngster also revealed he’s ready to concentrate on his football to reach his ambition of playing for the first team.

“I can’t do some of the things my friends do, but I always knew there would have to be sacrifices as my football will always come first,” added Slater.

He also paid tribute to his old school team coach, Scott Robertson, who helped mould him into the player he is today.

Robertson said: “Steven has a natural passion for football and is just one of those players who always had a ball at his feet.

“I am thrilled he has achieved his ambition and hope he goes on to live the dream. He is a great lad whom I hope to see a lot more of in the future.”