Hearts have announced that Billy Brown, currently assisting manager Gary Locke, is to continue at Tynecastle until January 2014 – with the likelihood that the former East Fife manager will be in Gorgie until at least the end of the season.

Brown, 62, is in his third stint as Hearts assistant having been Jim Jefferies right hand man on two previous occasions from 1995 to 2000 and 2010 to 2011. The former Hibernian assistant manager spoke of his delight at staying on at the club which is his first love.

‘I came here at the start of the season to help Gary and I’m delighted to be staying on. I’m very excited about what is happening here.’

Gary Locke was equally delighted to know his mentor was not planning on leaving any time soon. ‘I have the utmost respect and admiration for Billy. He has an enormous knowledge of the game and having someone with his experience is a huge help to me’.

Hearts face Celtic at the weekend in the SPFL and as well as being boosted by retaining Brown’s services, will be able to recall defenders Danny Wilson and Kevin McHattie from suspension as well as having Jamie Hamill able to play after his red card received at Inverness Caledonian Thistle ten days ago was rescinded by the SFA.

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