James Wilson continues to get starts for Hearts, and deservedly so.
The 17-year-old striker is the Jambos‘ joint top scorer this season with five and has been enjoying an extended run in the team, justifying that with his performances.
A double against Ross County proved his worth despite the team’s collapse and another massive goal came in the derby against Hibs – a late equaliser. He also has strikes against St Mirren and Petrocub, the latter in the Conference League.
Wilson has previously been compared to Liverpool and Manchester United talents by his own manager Neil Critchley.
But the Hearts starlet did admit he has been finding his new-found fame a touch embarrassing.
Despite the January loan signing of Elton Kabangu, Wilson has kept his place in the side and partnered the Belgian for the 3-2 win over Kilmarnock yesterday.
The teen provided an assist for his new partner to open the scoring and generally turned in a lively display to help his side to victory.
And more praise has now been thrown his way in the aftermath.
Hearts’ Wilson ‘brilliant to work with’
Steven Naismith worked with Wilson in the Hearts B team before promoting him to the first team last season, and planning to give him more involvement in this campaign.
That did happen although his playing time has increased since Naismith’s sacking.
But the former Jambos boss has told of how good the striker is to work with and talked up his football brain, as well as other attributes.
Speaking on BBC Sportscene, he said: “He did. And from working with him I know he’s definitely got a football knowledge and IQ beyond his years.
“It’s not so much the flashy stuff of getting in the box and getting chances and goals. He gets fortunate with the assist I think but his overall play and his intelligence is really good.
“The link-up between the two forwards has been really good.
“When it’s in the final third, he (Wilson) wants to be in the box for chances and goals. He runs the channels.
“He’s such an intelligent player for somebody so young. He’s got good movement, sniffs opportunity and is happy to go with both feet.
“I think he’s starting to feel comfortable in that first team environment. He’s got maturity and belief. Great talent, brilliant to work with, very enthusiastic.”
Shankland could struggle to get back in
Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland has had a struggle of the season but has largely kept his place due to a lack of competition.
But the previously prolific marksman has been injured for most of 2025 and his absence has coincided with an unbeaten run.
With Kabangu in place and Wilson playing so well, Shankland could struggle for game time after coming off the bench yesterday.
Naismith added: “Yeah, at the start of the season James had a good opportunity, we felt he could progress.
“With the signings made in January, competition is going to be very strong and there’s probably not an overreliance on Shanks.”