Hearts are languishing 19 points adrift at the bottom of the SPL, having entered administration and being hit with a 15-point deduction and transfer embargo.

Despite their predicament, 22-year-old McGowan said he wanted to remain at the Edinburgh club beyond this campaign with his contract set to expire at season’s end.

“We’ll have to wait until after we come out of administration before any new contracts are offered,” McGowan, who has made 24 starts this season, told the Daily Record.

“But I’m looking forward to seeing that happen and seeing what the club has for me.

“I have improved as a player and I’d be more than happy to open talks if they are ready – but most importantly it’s about the club surviving.

“When I first came over, it was to sign for the Under-19s, so I had to do well to get another contract and work my way through the ranks.

“I am proud of my achievements, considering how far I have come and how young I was when I moved over from Australia. 

“I am very happy here. I have enjoyed every second of my time at Hearts. I’m enjoying playing and if the gaffer tells me its centre-midfield, right-back or centre-half then I’ll enjoy just being out there.”

Hearts have only managed three wins in 21 SPL matches this season and would be last without the points deduction but ex-Gold Coast United man McGowan remained hopeful of survival. 

“Until it is mathematically impossible we will keep believing we can stay up,” he said.

Hearts’ next match is at home to the in-form third-placed Motherwell on Saturday.