Robbie Neilson has hailed the influence of veteran goalkeeper Neil Alexander on helping his young defence to four consecutive clean sheets.

Hearts backline has been unbreakable in recent weeks, with shut-outs recorded against Kilmarnock, Inverness, Partick Thistle and Dundee.

And Neilson has revealed his in-form goalie is ready to commit to a new deal to stay at Tynecastle.

Last weekend Hearts fielded teenagers Liam Smith, John Souttar and Jordan McGhee alongside 23-year-old captain Alim Ozturk as they kept free scoring Dundee strikers Greg Stewart and Kane Hemmings at bay.

Neilson said: "We've got a young defence – three 19-year-olds who have all been called into the Scotland Under-21 squad – but they have great experience behind them in Neil Alexander, who has been in very good form.

"They also have a good midfield and strikeforce in front of them. Everyone plays their part in keeping clean sheets.

"[Alexander] is a huge influence for us. He has great experience in international football and the top level down in England.

"When you have such a young back four you need experience round about them and you need security from your goalkeeper and Neil has definitely given us that.

"We have spoken about [a new contract] and everybody is happy it is just a case of getting things sorted out. He is happy and we are happy."

Alexander turned 38 last week and combines his first team duties with a goalkeeper coaching role in Neilson’s backroom staff.

But the head coach sees no reason why the former Scotland and Rangers number one cannot keep his place in the team for years to come.

Neilson added: "I think if goalkeepers look after themselves they can play into their early 40s, as long as they keep looking after their body and their lifestyle.

"Neil has certainly done that over his career and he is definitely getting the benefits of that now."