The potential Hearts defender who loves to attack

Prospective Hearts signing Malachi Fagan-Walcott says his instincts as a former striker have helped to shape his game as a centre-back.

The 24-year-old is in line to become Hearts' fourth summer arrival after the club agreed a seven-figure fee with York City.

Fagan-Walcott has spent the past two years in England's National League, making 78 appearances and helping York to a dramatic promotion last term.

His 14 goals, no mean tally for defender, hints at his prowess in the opposition box and Fagan-Walcott describes his playing style as "aggressive".

"I can play both centre-half positions, left or right," the former Tottenham youth player told the BBC upon joining York.

"I'm very composed and calm on the ball, but I love the defending side of it. My first thought before any game is always defending. The ball playing will sort itself out but make sure you win your one-on-one battle with the striker.

"You win your headers, you win your tackles, you're aggressive and then after all of that, think about playing on the ball, because if we don't concede, we're more likely to get points.

"My mindset is to just defend first and play second."

Fagon-Walcott's attacking capabilities appear a good fit considering Derek McInnes' side led the way for set-piece goals in the Premiership last season.

"I used to be a striker, so I feel like it's instinct," he said. "At training in small-sided games I love shooting and try to stay as forward as possible.

"I never play at the back because it's the only time I get to go and express myself. When it comes to goals I like to get in around it, corners, wide free-kicks, every time I go up there, I think I'm going to score.

"I feel like that's just because I grew up as a striker, so I have that mentality. I love being in those situations, set-pieces, or even if I'm stepping up on the back, sometimes I think should I shoot, but I don't do it."