Kilmarnock: Conrad Balatoni secures contract extension

Conrad Balatoni arrives at Rugby Park in September

Kilmarnock defender Conrad Balatoni has secured a contract extension after proving his worth during a short-term deal with the Premiership club.

The 24-year-old Englishman, who had initially joined Kilmarnock in September, has agreed a deal until summer 2018.

Balatoni said: "Since joining in September I've settled in well.

"I managed to get my fitness levels up quickly and then get a lot of first-team game time under my belt."

Balatoni came through the youth ranks at Hearts before spending three years with Partick Thistle but struggled to find a club after departing Firhill this summer.

However, he has made eight appearances for Kilmarnock, scoring once, for Gary Locke's side.

"I'm enjoying the style of football that Gary is developing," Balatoni told the club website.

"I really feel that the club is on the verge of achieving something great and I want to be part of that."

Locke, whose side sit ninth in the Premiership table, thinks Balatoni will prove a good long-term signing for Kilmarnock.

"He's done really well since joining, so it was important that we get him secured for the future," he said.

"At just 24 years old, he'll remain at his peak over the next few seasons and it's great that Kilmarnock will get the benefit of this."