Adam Forrester admits he couldn’t wait to put pen to paper on his new Hearts deal and is eager to continue repaying head coach Neil Critchley.
The academy graduate is currently enjoying a spell in the first team, following his debut against Ross County at the end of September and the right-back has now penned a new long-term contract with the Jambos until the summer of 2027.
Forrester has now racked up eight appearances in maroon, starting in all three of Hearts’ UEFA Conference League matches and expressed his delight on his new deal.
“It feels good,” he told Hearts TV.
“It’s been quite a quick process. As soon as I was offered it, I’ve always wanted to stay, so I’m delighted. Ever since Foxy put me in against Ross County and I made my debut, it’s always been in the back of my mind that I wanted to get a new contract and stay on for another couple of years.
“I always knew that if I got that got that opportunity, I’d hopefully take it with both hands and keep my place. As soon as I was put in, I didn’t want to come back out the team, I just wanted to keep playing games with the first team and keep building momentum.”
The 19-year-old began the season visiting grounds like Netherdale and Prestonfield as the skipper of the Hearts B team, but things very quickly changed when now first team assistant coach Liam Fox handed Forrester his debut against Ross County at Tynecastle.
For any young player, making their debut is a day they’ll never forget and while the build-up will often consist of a mixture of nerves and excitement, Forrester admits it was mainly excitement.
“As soon as I got told I was going to start, I was so excited to get out there and show what I can do.
“Obviously it was a different type of game with there being no fans there, but it was a game I enjoyed playing in and it was obviously even better to win the game in the final moments.
“I’ve just been taking it game by game. Not getting too high or too low, just trying to take it all in my stride and I’m enjoying it.
“Foxy has obviously been massive for me. Having the trust to put me in in the first place and then as soon as the new gaffer came in, he’s obviously kept trust in me to play me in games so hopefully I can keep repaying him.
“Having Frankie Kent beside me talking me through the games has been brilliant. All the boys have been great with me.”
Forrester concluded by praising the B Team environment which has allowed him to compete against men in the Lowland League over the previous two seasons, something he believes has helped him massively in the transition to first team football.
“That’s been perfect. Playing against men for the past two years has helped me come into that first team environment and obviously, you’re playing against more experienced players, but it’s helped me a lot. I just want to keep playing as much as I can. Get as many minutes as I can and just enjoy my football.”
Subscribe to Hearts TV to watch Adam’s interview in full.
