Gary Locke has vowed to take care of winger Greg Kiltie even if the attacker decides to head for the Kilmarnock exit door this month.

The talented 18-year-old's current deal expires at the end of January with Kiltie knocking back Killie's offer of a new contract.

Hibernian are keen on securing the player's services with the Ayrshire side still hoping the youngster will sign a fresh deal.

Ahead of the Scottish Cup tie with St Johnstone, Locke once again expressed his desire to hold on to Kiltie but said he won't put too much pressure on him over his future.

Locke said: "We're still in talks with Greg and his agent. It's obviously very frustrating as we want to get the lad tied up.

"But I'm aware he will have other options. He's playing well at the moment. We'll just have to wait until he makes a decision.

"It would be unfair on the lad if I was to have dialogue with him everyday. You've got to let him get on with his football.

"He's a lovely lad but we don't want to put him under too much pressure. You've got to remember what age he is as well. I want him to concentrate on his football and not worry about anything else. If you're a decent manager that's what you would do.

"The club has done everything it can to keep him but it's now up to him as to what he wants to do. We think he's a fantastic young talent who would be best off here.

"He, though, will make the decision he thinks is best for him."

Kiltie has scored twice in 22 matches this season and has played a key role in Scotland's U19s reaching this summer's UEFA Elite Round.