Gaffer ‘delighted’ as Denholm stay is extended

Manager Stuart Malcolm has heaped praise on midfielder Aidan Denholm after an agreement was reached with parent club Hearts for the teenager to extend his stay at Shielfield Park until the end of the season.

Denholm, who recently turned 18, arrived at the club when the central midfield area was depleted due to suspensions and injuries. However, a string of impressive performances – with his 25-yard strike against Stirling Albion in the Scottish Cup a highlight – has seen the youngster maintain his place in the starting XI.

Parent club Hearts have also been suitably satisfied by Denholm’s development and game time at Shielfield Park and Malcolm placed on record his thanks to the Jambos for allowing the extension, before highlighting the teenager’s contribution in his short time with the club to date.

Speaking about Denholm’s loan extension, Malcolm said: “We’re delighted that Hearts have allowed us to extend Aidan’s loan deal and would like to thank them for coming to such a swift agreement on that.

“They can obviously see him developing with us and what we’re doing is acceptable for how they’re looking for Aidan to play and what he’s being taught.

“He’s been a fantastic addition to our squad, coming in as a young man. Everyone can see how good a player he is, he’s got bundles of energy up and down the park and is great in possession of the ball, so we’re over the moon to be keeping him and hopefully we can have a strong push between now and the end of the season with him involved.”