Callum Flatman is setting his sights on playing a "bigger role" for Kelty Hearts after fulfilling his aim of regular game time this season.
The 21-year-old arrived at New Central Park last summer after leaving Heart of Midlothian, where he had captained the under-18s before stepping up to their 'B' team.
Centre back Flatman, who had a spell on loan with Edinburgh City in the second half of the 2023/24 campaign, made 38 appearances for the 'Maroon Machine', and picked up the 'man of the match' prize at the club's end of season awards.
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Following the final day victory over Alloa Athletic earlier this month, he explained: "At the start of the season I thought I was in the form of my life for a bit.
"I just feel like I got a wee injury, was maybe out for four weeks, Sam Harding came in (on loan from Dundee United) and he did really well. You're trying to get your place back, maybe playing right back, and it's a difficult situation because you've not done anything wrong, but the boy in front of you is also playing really well.
"When he's went (back to United in January), I've secured my place again, and I've done well.
"It's just the same for next season. Every game is a fresh game, every game I need to prove myself, and prove I can keep that position.
"Realistically, the last couple of years, three years, has been a struggle because I've had a lot of injuries.
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"The reason I came to Kelty was for game time, and I've had a lot of game time, and it's done me well.
"I'm hoping to have a bigger role in the team. I don't feel like I'll be a young boy next year, so I'm hoping to go in and have a bigger role.
"There's a lot of experienced pros in there, so just keep learning off them, learning off Tam (O'Ware). Even CJ (Craig Johnston), he's not my position, but you still learn off him."
Flatman, who has vowed that he will continue to work to "get myself fit, stronger, and better for next year" during the close season, also chipped in with three goals.
One rescued a last-gasp draw at home to eventual League One champions Arbroath, and another came in a Scottish Cup loss at Elgin City, but the first was the most memorable - a winner against Hibernian in the League Cup group stage back in July.
"I've not had a better point than that this year, in my career even. It was a big game for me, playing against a top team, especially if you look at where they are just now.
"I'll cherish that."
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