Daniel Stendel reveals why Jamie Walker remains a key part of Hearts' plans

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel has held talks with winger Jamie Walker

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel insists Jamie Walker is a vital part of his plans as he considers handing the forward a starting place against Falkirk in the Scottish Cup.

Ignoring speculation on his future during January, Walker did extra training sessions to improve fitness and impressed as a substitute against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night.

Leg and knee injuries have hindered him since returning to Hearts last summer but Stendel is eager to utilise the 26-year-old.

The pair held talks in an attempt to help Walker recapture top form and he is now in contention for a starting berth on Saturday night at the Falkirk Stadium.

"Jamie made a good impact on Wednesday," Stendel told the Evening News. "We talked with him in the last week and said he can be an important player for us. He worked well in training and this is the reason he was back on the pitch.

"It was not an easy situation in the second half against Kilmarnock but he played well. If he does it again, he has a good chance to come back into the team."

Walker believes scoring is one of his strongest attributes and wants to endear himself to Stendel by rippling nets. He has started only one match so far under the German, largely because of a knee complaint which has now subsided.

"You’ve watched me long enough now. My biggest attribute is probably scoring goals and creating things in the final third," he said.

"I spoke to the gaffer quite a bit this week and he wants me to add things to my game. He likes energetic players who are going to press and who have pace in the wider areas. That’s a lot for me to work on but hopefully I can get back into the team."