Paul Hanlon has insisted it was a straightforward decision to commit his future to Hibernian.
A lacklustre Clydesdale Bank Premier League campaign has followed on from a fourth-placed finish last term, but defender Hanlon has seen enough positives under manager Colin Calderwood to sign a two-year contract extension.
"It was an easy decision to make," said the 21-year-old, who is set to remain at Easter Road until the summer of 2016.
"I still had a contract for the next three years but I knew I wanted to sign again for the club and I was delighted to do that. It's a good club to be playing at. I'm playing week in, week out just now and hopefully I can continue with good performances and next season we can hopefully finish higher up the league."
Hibs are in something of a transitional period under Calderwood, with a host of players out of contract at the end of the current campaign. But Hanlon leads a group including Callum Booth, Lewis Stevenson and David Stephens who show the potential of the club.
Calderwood was thrilled with tying the Scotland under-21 international, who has been captain for the last six games, to a long-term deal. Speaking ahead of Saturday's clash at Hamilton, the Hibs boss said: "It was an easy one.
"It's very good news for the club. You've got to reward people who do well and he's been rewarded. It's good business sense as well."
Hanlon has been privileged to captain Hibs. He added: "I was delighted to be given the armband when Ian Murray's not been playing. I don't know what will happen next season. If I'm given the armband permanently I'm more than happy to do that."
Calderwood anticipates Murray will retain the captaincy next season, although intimated Hanlon will also be required to fulfil the role.
He added: "Ian Murray in his senior role will be the club captain, but Paul has been captain on the pitch and I don't see too many changes in that area."
Source: PA
