Daniel Oyegoke ‘can’t wait to get started’ after joining Hearts from Brentford

Daniel Oyegoke declared his excitement after Hearts paid Brentford an undisclosed fee to secure the former England Under-20 right-back’s services on a three-year contract.

The 21-year-old becomes the Jambos’ fourth summer signing to be unveiled this week after the arrivals of James Penrice, Ryan Fulton and Blair Spittal.

Oyegoke did not make a competitive appearance for Brentford’s first team but he arrives at Tynecastle having enjoyed game time during loan spells at MK Dons and Bradford in each of the past two seasons.

“Honestly, it’s been a long time coming,” he told Hearts’ website as his move was confirmed. “To finally get this done is a great feeling and I can’t wait to get started.

“In my last game of the season at Bradford, I heard about the interest from the club. From then, I just said to my agent to try and get it done as soon as possible. It was a very easy decision.

“The manager told me how he sees me fitting in tactically, how he wants the team to play, and how he wants to build on the success of last season.

“I’m athletic, confident and composed. I like to defend one-v-one and can go forward as well.”

Oyegoke will compete with fellow right-back Nathaniel Atkinson for a starting berth after Dexter Lembikisa returned to Wolves following his loan stint at Tynecastle last term.

“It’s another really positive bit of news to get Daniel in as a Hearts player,” said manager Steven Naismith.

“He’s versatile, has physicality and also a calmness in possession. He’s willing to take the ball under pressure and that’s a big part of the way we want our defenders to play.

“What’s really impressed me is his desire to progress his career. He’s not comfortable just standing still in a safe environment, he wants to forge a career and advance to a higher level, and I expect him to do that with Hearts.”

Brentford B Team manager Neil MacFarlane, who played for Hearts between 2002 and 2006, backed Oyegoke to prosper at Tynecastle.

“I would like to wish Daniel all the very best in the next step of his career,” MacFarlane told the Bees’ website.

“He played a prominent part in us winning the Premier League Cup and has developed into a really good young player whilst spending the last few years with us in between some loan spells.

“He was also part of the England Under-20s that won the Euros whilst with us.

“Having played for Hearts myself I know how great a club it is and how big a challenge it will be, but I feel Daniel is ready for such an exciting next step.”