JIMMY Dunne has joined Scottish Premiership side Hearts on loan after signing a new deal at Turf Moor.

The 20-year-old centre back has penned new terms on a two-year contract, with the option of a further 12 months.

Having signed that new deal he has now moved to Tynecastle on a loan deal lasting until January 7.

“The new contract gives me not only security, but a chance to be part of a club that is really progressing and has been on the up for the past few seasons,” said Dunne.

“For me to remain part of that is a massive thing for me and my development.

“I will still be in contact with the coaches at Burnley and this time next year hopefully they will see me in a higher position than this summer.

“Hearts have been unfortunate with injuries, particularly at the back, and I feel lucky to have been able to get this deal to hopefully help plug the gap and play in some huge games.

“I know that Hearts have been off to a great start and they’re going to look to continue that run, so I just want to be a part of that.

“It’s a club with an amazing fan-base and seems similar in philosophy to Burnley, which should help me fit in really well.”

Dunne, who joined Burnley in July, 2016 after leaving Manchester United, was involved at first-team level with the Clarets during pre-season, featuring in friendlies against Preston North End, Montpellier and Espanyol.

But following the signing of Ben Gibson from Middlesbrough, the Republic of Ireland under-21 international has been allowed to move north to join a Hearts side that have won their opening two league games of the season.