Melbourne Heart has secured the services of promising midfielder Nick Kalmar for two more seasons. The 22-year old has enjoyed a meteoric rise since joining the A-League club from Victorian Premier League outfit Oakleigh Cannons and his performances have impressed the Heart hierarchy enough for them to offer him a brand new deal.
Kalmar admitted that things still hadn't really sunk in since becoming an A-League player.
"I've been pinching myself ever since I came to the club. We have a good coaching staff, a good playing group and I'm very humbled to be among the players we have here," he said.
"I've got a lot of improvement to make and a lot to work on, but I think the set-up here is very good and I'm enjoying it."
Heart coach John van 't Schip said it was a just reward for Kalmar who had been able to make a smooth transition into Australia's top flight.
"It is often difficult to judge how players will adapt to football at a higher level, and determine whether they will fit in," he said.
"However, Nick has made a great transition to the Hyundai A-League from the VPL and has already developed into a very important member of our team.
"And given Melbourne Heart FC is only his first professional club, I'm confident Nick can continue to grow as a footballer over the coming two seasons."