Brighton's Connor Goldson calls for more heart checks

Brighton defender Connor Goldson believes clubs should carry out more checks on players to help detect potential heart problems.

Goldson, aged 24, has not played competitively since January following the discovery of a swollen aorta.

Former Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote died in June after collapsing while training in China, while his fellow Ivorian Eugene Kouame also died this summer after suffering a heart attack.

Goldson told The Times: "You look at Tiote. You never know what can happen. Two players in the last few months is way too many.

"Football needs to do something. Every club needs to check at least once a year. Unfortunately players don't get the scans.

"I never felt a thing. If my little story can make other clubs think they need to do a test, hopefully it can save other players."

Goldson's heart condition was discovered during routine screening by the club and it meant he missed the closing stages of Brighton's promotion campaign.

But he could be back in league action when Brighton kick-off the new season in the Premier League at home to Manchester City on August 12.