Danny WilsIN at Tynecastle

JONNY BOYLE

DANNY WILSON will be a Hearts player next season after the SPFL confirmed his registration will continue at the club.

The 21-year-old defender had spent last season on loan at the Gorgie side and announced he would join them permanently after his contract with Liverpool expired.

But his future was placed in doubt after the Jambos plunged into administration earlier this month - leading to wage cuts for several players and striker John Sutton being made redundant on Thursday.

Having agreed to take a wage cut himself, Wilson will remain at Tynecastle after the SPFL confirmed the deal would not count as a new registration and the Scottish international would be allowed under their current embargo.

A statement on the official Hearts website said: “Heart of Midlothian FC is pleased to confirm that Danny Wilson is to remain at Tynecastle following his period on loan from Liverpool.

“The Scotland international’s contract with the Anfield outfit expires today (Sunday, June 30) but he will keep featuring in maroon after the SPFL confirmed that his registration will continue.

“Although the current administration which the club is subject to has meant an embargo on new player registrations, as the 21-year-old is already registered with the club there is no restriction on his move from Liverpool to Hearts.”

The SPFL took to their official site to confirm the status of the player.

It said in a statement: “The SPFL Player Registration of Heart of Midlothian FC player Danny Wilson would, had he not agreed a contract extension, have terminated on 30 June.

“The SPFL has now received documents extending the contract of the player. As a result, the player’s existing SPFL Registration is automatically extended and is not affected by the embargo on new SPFL Player Registrations currently in place on Heart of Midlothian FC as a result of Heart of Midlothian plc (in administration) being in administration.”

Hearts boss Gary Locke was happy the situation had reached a positive outcome.

He said: “I am really pleased. Danny was already due to be part of the team and the administration has made no difference to his status.

“I appreciate that there have been some difficult decisions made regarding player redundancies.

“But given that Danny has agreed to a wage cut and is happy to be playing for Hearts, this gives us an opportunity to improve the team for the forthcoming season so why wouldn’t we jump at the chance to have him on our side?”