Crazy Hearts rise of Malachi Fagan-Walcott comes with reality check as he insists Jambos sulk is over

Fagan-Walcott reflects on his rapid rise from York City to Hearts' European campaign, calling it a dream come true despite the culture shock of playing in front of 20,000 fans.

Malachi Fagan-Walcott has experienced a meteoric rise in the past year, moving from York City in England's National League to Hearts and now competing in the Conference League group stages. The 24-year-old centre-back will face Swiss champions Thun on Thursday as Hearts search for their first win in the competition.

Fagan-Walcott, who came through Tottenham's academy, admitted the jump has been a shock to the system. "I was at Braintree a couple of years ago, and now I'm playing in European group stages," he said. "It's a reality check and it's good. As a player, I want to make that jump and show I am capable of making it."

Hearts have struggled in their opening matches, drawing at home to Nordsjaelland before losing 2-0 away to Trabzonspor. The Scottish club is also dealing with 10 players unavailable through injury. Despite losing Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final to Hibernian, Fagan-Walcott insisted the team has moved past the disappointment and is focused on the next challenge.