James Wilson is the jewel in the crown in terms of Hearts young players at the minute.
The striker, 18, has had a brilliant breakthrough season at Tynecastle after glimpses of opportunities the campaign before and has six goals, including one in the Europa Conference League.
Wilson was even called up to the senior Scotland squad for this week’s Nations League clashes with Greece, such has been his impact.
He has been joined in the Jambos first team this season by defender Adam Forrester, another teen, and the pair are being regularly trusted by manager Neil Critchley.
And they aren’t the only ones who could have a bright future with the club.
Neil Critchley monitoring Hearts youngsters
Critchley has a reputation for developing young players having worked with the youth teams in Liverpool’s academy, indeed it’s believed to be one of the factors that landed him the job at Tynecastle.
Hearts are looking to provide more players for their first-team and are hoping Wilson and Forrester are the first in a long line.
Currently out on loan at Raith Rovers, Finlay Pollock was hailed as a better prospect than Wilson by former sporting director Joe Savage.
The midfielder was branded ‘absolutely fantastic’ by Raith fans after a starring show in a 3-0 win over Partick Thistle, as he scored twice.
The Jambos also have midfielders Macaulay Tait and Callum Sandilands on loan at Livingston and Montrose and goalkeepers Harry Stone and Liam McFarlane at Ayr United and East Fife. Winger Bobby McLuckie is with Stenhousemuir.
Critchley is keeping tabs on the progress of all of them.
He told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Obviously, I’ve been out and I’ve been watching Macaulay, I’ve been watching Finlay.
“We’ve got Callum Sandilands out on loan at Montrose the moment as well. Liam McFarlane at East Fife and Harry Stone at Ayr United.
“So we’ve got young players out on loan and we’re monitoring their progress all the time. I’m sure pre-season will be important for them when they come back and I get to see them close up every day.
“We’ll always make the best decisions for them and for the football club.”
Talent in Hearts academy
There is further talent in the Hearts academy. 16-year-old midfielder Alfie Osborne captained Scotland under-17s as they drew with North Macedonia this week, and also trained with Steve Clarke’s top team.
He is already a regular in the B team in the Lowland League at such a young age and was involved with the first-team for a pre-season friendly against Fleetwood last summer.
Osborne is joined by Taylor Hogarth in the 17s, Forrester is currently with the 21s for this camp while Matthew Gillies is with the 19s and there are plenty of other young players the club has high hopes for.