Hearts’ James Wilson Aims to Justify Decision to Remain at Tynecastle

James Wilson, the 17-year-old Hearts forward, intends to demonstrate the soundness of his choice to decline proposals to depart Tynecastle. Wilson, who secured a new two-year contract last April despite attention from teams such as the Old Firm and Manchester United, entered the game as a substitute at Easter Road on Sunday, securing a draw with his second goal in as many matches. Having debuted for Hearts in January, Wilson has now accumulated six substitute appearances, finding the net in his two most recent outings. He stated, “Ultimately the reason I stayed was because I wanted to play first-team football.” He added, “It’s a choice that not a lot of people make.” Wilson continued, “I’m just hoping to prove there is the other option here where you stay, you fight for your place, and you try and have an impact.” He further explained, “Ultimately, if I went down south, I don’t know where I’d be at the moment. I could be playing Under-18 football down there, so I’m just trying to prove there’s another option.” While Wilson’s current agreement concludes next summer, new manager Neil Critchley indicated on Sunday that a fresh contract for the young player “has been mentioned” and is “on the radar of the people around me at the club.” When questioned about his expectation to stay at Tynecastle past the conclusion of the current season, Wilson responded, “Yeah, I hope to. I hope to keep playing well. Whatever happens, happens. I’m just working hard every day, trying to do what I can do.” Wilson registered his initial goal during the final moments of the 4-0 win against St Mirren, which was Critchley’s inaugural game as manager, preceding his significant contribution in Sunday’s derby. He commented, “As a young player, you’re never quite sure when a new manager comes in, but he’s been very good to me.” Wilson added, “The manager just tells me to keep going, keep working hard. He wants me to just have an impact on the game when I come on. He was happy last week with the goal, and then the same message against Hibs, go on and try and get an equaliser, and I did that.”