BBC NEWS: Neil Critchley on Hearts contract situation of James Wilson after Manchester United interest.

Hearts battled off interest from Manchester United to keep James Wilson, and they’ll be pleased they did this evening.

Despite interest from other teams in England and Scotland, the young star chose to stay at Tynecastle, where he hopes to advance to the first team.

He has been rewarded with substitute appearances and now has two goals in his past two league games, including a late equalizer against Hibs in the derby. Celebrating in front of the spectators would have been a memorable experience for the childhood Jambo.

Neil Critchley discusses James Wilson’s Hearts moment.

Neil Critchley, the new manager, has extensive experience developing young talent, having previously worked as an academy coach at Liverpool before going on to the main team with Blackpool and QPR.

He was definitely happy for the 17-year-old today.

The Englishman praised the youngster’s predatory goal-scoring talents, reminiscent of the famous John Robertson.

There was some discussion over who received the last touch, but it appears to be the young kid.

Critchley stated, “He’s a goal scorer, he’s a goal poacher, and I believe Alan [Forrest] got a lovely little touch, first contact, and it sort of deflected, and then James is there, which is what goal scorers do.”

“They just get into the right position at the right moment and find a way to score.

“He claims that is his objective, which I hope it is, and it appears to be his. I haven’t seen it clearly enough to tell whether it was or not, but that’s him.

James Wilson Hearts’ contract situation

Wilson had considerable attention from major teams two years ago when his Hearts agreement was about to expire.

He vowed his future to the Jambos, signing a two-year contract that expires this summer. The club has the option to extend it for another year, according to the Edinburgh Evening News.

Critchley was questioned about the matter following the derby, and he claims it is on the agenda of club officials.

He explained: “Obviously, part of recruitment is maintaining your best players, especially your young players, so I’m sure that’s something we’ll talk about.

“It has been mentioned, it’s on the radar of the people around me at the club because, one, you want to give young players an opportunity, but also if they do do well, then you want to reward them, but they have to earn that as well.”

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