Ikpeazu delighted to sign new deal at Tynecastle

FROM BACK PAGE current deal which initially ran out in the summer of 2020.

The 24-year-old has bagged four goals in 16 appearances this season after missing four months of the campaign with a broken foot and has quickly established himself as a fans’ favourite.

Ikpeazu insists it was the ideal time to commit his long-term future because he has fallen in love with Hearts. He said: “This club have given me a great platform to improve.

“They also supported me through my injury.

“I love the club, the fans, the city and my team-mates as well. I genuinely think I’m improving and I’m getting back to my best.

“I feel I’m back playing really well now. I feel confident and it’s just the goals to come really.

“Now was the right time to extend my contract as I feel the love from the management, the staff and the fans.”

Hearts boss Craig Levein was desperate for Ikpeazu to sign on the dotted line.

He said: “The most important thing is I really like Uche. I think he helps the team and I wanted him to stay.

“He acknowledged that I really liked him. He gets game time when he’s fit and he wanted to stay here as well. Signing the new deal will calm him down a little bit.

“He’s a hard-working boy and he’s appreciated by everybody at the club.

“The supporters love him. He’s a supporter wearing a Hearts strip, basically.

“Sometimes that’s all you need to do, just try your hardest and you become one of the favourites.”