Odel Offiah compares Hearts to Brighton as latest Tynecastle recruit shares thinking behind loan switch

Odel Offiah reckons Hearts are similar in style to Brighton and that helped him decide on a move to Tynecastle.

The versatile defender - who is the nephew of former England rugby international Martin - has penned a season-long loan deal with the Jambos, fresh from agreeing a one-year contract extension with the Seagulls. He follows the same path as Alex Cochrane, who initially joined on loan before joining Hearts permanently last summer.

Offiah was in Gorgie on Thursday night to take in Hearts' Europa Conference League third round qualifier second leg against Rosenborg. And if the 20-year-old had any doubts over the switch, they would have been blown away on a Euro night for the ages as the hosts roared back to beat the Norwegians 3-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate. Cammy Devlin's stoppage time strike set up a playoff showdown with Greek cracks PAOK, with the first leg in Edinburgh next week.

Sporting director Joe Savage shared his frustration with at least one other Premiership club's attempt to force their way into a late deal to sign Offiah. But he'd already picked Hearts, and reckons there are similarities to Brighton, who were last season's surprise package in the English premier League under Roberto Di Zerbi.

"Definitely the style of play," he said when asked what convinced him to make the move to the Scottish capital. "It's very similar to Brighton.

"Talking to the gaffer, he wants to play, he wants to keep the ball. That's very important for my football development and to improve as a player."

Offiah could make his debut in maroon against Partick Thistle on Sunday. The Jags are in town on Viaplay Cup business.