Hearts have given long-term contracts to academy products Ryan McGowan and Steven Husband - a decision that "absolutely delights" Csaba Laszlo.Defender McGowan, who made his Hearts' debut against Gretna in the final match of last season, has signed a five-year-deal to keep him at Tynecastle until 2013, while Husband has penned a three-year-contract until 2011.

Hearts have a strong record of developing youth, with academy products Christophe Berra, Andy Driver, Lee Wallace and Calum Elliot making the first team in recent years.

Welcoming the signings, Hearts manager Laszlo told The Scotsman: "I am absolutely delighted that both players are staying at Hearts with us.

"I've said all along that the academy is the most important part of our club. We must see the best young players make the breakthrough.

"Both Ryan and Steven have done well on our trip in Germany and I am looking forward to seeing them make more progress in the season ahead."

Meanwhile, Danish striker Mike Tullberg has joined Hearts' training camp in Germany on trial from Italian club Reggina and is expected to play in Friday's friendly match against Kaiserslautern.

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