Moore says his focus is all on Hearts

TAYLOR Moore has opened up on his move to Scotland and the discussions that led to him joining Hearts, writes Gregor MacGregor.

The centre-back praised Bristol City manager Nigel Pearson for being straight with him in the last transfer window, before a loan to Hearts for the season was completed.

Both Pearson and Moore have said that they are open-minded to the move becoming a permanent one, and how Moore gets on at Tynecastle may play a big role in the decision.

To date, the 24-year-old has made three starts and appeared twice from the bench in the league, as Robbie Neilson’s team have leapt up to second in the league.

“I have a contract at Bristol City and there is still quite a long time on it as well,” he told reporters in Scotland. “My main concern is just enjoying my football this season and helping Hearts. When Bristol City decide to send someone out on loan, it’s probably for the long-term development of the player as well.

“They made that decision based on my best interests and theirs. At 24-years-old, I couldn’t afford to sit around and not play. The manager, Nigel Pearson, was very honest with how he saw things and that’s what you want as a player.”

Hearts usually play a threeman defence, which may help Moore who played some of his best football at Ashton Gate in Dean Holden’s 3-5-2 system.

However the former England U20s defender faces a tough task in pushing out regular central defenders John Souttar, Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley.

Hearts sit one point behind league leaders Rangers after eight games played, and head to Ibrox for their next match.