The 22-year-old defender, who has had previous loan spells at lower divisions clubs Ayr United and Partick Thistle, has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Hearts this term.

And McGowan has capped his stellar campaign with the award which he won ahead of Gary Glen, Scott Robinson, Gordon Smith and last year's winner David Templeton.

McGowan tweeted: "Delighted to win Young Player of the Year....thank you to everyone who had voted :) #delighted #cantthankyouallenough."

Adelaide product McGowan has previously been capped at all youth levels for Australia.