Phil Anderton today confirmed that the re-signing of defender Christophe Berra was the start of the Tynecastle club's plans to build for an exciting future. Meanwhile, the man of the moment admitted he was very pleased to have sealed a new three-year deal.

Hearts chief executive Phil has been busy speaking to a number of players in recent weeks, including the Scotland U21 star who has been an able deputy to Steven Pressley and Andy Webster this season.

"Christophe Berra is the first of many talented young players who will hopefully commit their future to the club and so we are delighted with the news," he explained to Hearts News.

"Here at Heart of Midlothian we are very ambitious and a big part of that is about keeping the best young players that we bring through our successful Academy," he continued. "The deal which keeps Christophe here for another three years is a major part of that strategy."

Having played a more prominent role in maroon as first choice alternative, making 14 appearances this season, Christophe knows he will need to keep working as hard as he has done to ensure that he continues to make satisfactory progress.

"I was pleased to get the offer and although it took a while to get it sorted out I am very happy to sign up. I had a year left on my contract but it is great to have stability to keep on progressing and getting better," he told Hearts News.

"I would say that I am a good defender in general and good in the air in particular, but the thing I need to improve on us my passing. Over my time at Hearts I have improved a lot. You want to keep on improving the whole time.

"Everyone can get better - even with the top players there is room for improvement."

Christophe is currently with the Scotland U21 squad and he admits he learns from these sorts of experiences too. "It is good to train with boys who are playing regular first team football. It is a good experience being away. The training is competitive but it is good natured," he said.

The Edinburgh lad cannot wait for next season, either, because he knows he has it in him to be a top centre-half. He said: "I want to prove that I can be a regular. I know I am capable of challenge Steven Pressley and Andy Webster, but as long as I keep improving I can be a first team regular one day and hopefully go on to even better things."