Hearts is pleased to announce the appointment of U19s coach Darren Murray as Player Development Manager.

Darren's expanded role reflects the excellent job he has done in recent years in charge of the club's young stars and will see him work even more closely with Director of Football John Murray and first team coach Gary Locke.

The position has been created in anticipation of a restructuring of the tier below first team level in Scottish football.

With the Edinburgh club highlighting an intention to rely more on its academy graduates in the seasons ahead, the trio's focus will be on ensuring a smooth transition into the top team for individuals identified as having the potential to make the step up.

The latest promotion is part of the restructuring of the football department at Riccarton, complementing the recent appointments of a Director of Football and Head of Football Administration.

"I am delighted to get my immediate future sorted out," Darren told Hearts News. "These are exciting times to be a young player at this football club and I'm looking forward to the exciting challenges ahead."

Darren will continue to play a key role in nurturing some of the country's top young players - Jason Holt and David Smith made their first team debuts last season, while the likes of Kevin McHattie, Fraser Mullen and Jordan Morton have all played for Paulo Sergio in the current Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign.

The U19s, who currently sit top of their league table seven points clear of nearest rivals Hibs, return from their winter break on Saturday, February 4 at home to Motherwell.

A Hearts spokesperson said: "The club is delighted to appoint Darren in this new role.

"He has demonstrated an ability to get the best out of the players at U19 level and will continue to play an important role in this area as Hearts embarks on an exciting future with the emphasis more and more on the talented youngsters at our disposal."

On HeartsTV today, manager Paulo Sergio and midfielder Adrian Mrowiec meet the media ahead of the trip to Inverness.