BBC SPORT | HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN (original) (raw)

Darren Jackson has resolved the contract dispute with Hearts that had prevented the attacking midfielder playing any more first-team games.

It means that the 34-year-old will be available to face his former club, Celtic, in Glasgow on Saturday.

The former Scotland international was close to leaving Tynecastle after the club refused to give him his fifteenth appearance of the season, something that would have automatically given him a year's extension to his contract.

However, a club spokesman said: "Following discussions between Chris Robinson, Darren and his agent, we are pleased to confirm that the contractual position has been resolved to the satisfaction of all parties."

Transfer talks

The cash-strapped club, still at the time managed by Jim Jefferies, had been unwilling to give a guarantee to a player of Jackson's age.

However, it would appear that he will now win a new contract as long as he can prove his fitness and ability to compete at a high level.

Jackson, who had gone as far as holding transfer talks with former club Dundee United, pointed out: "I did not want to leave, so I am delighted that something has been worked out.

"I feel fitter now than I have ever been."