Steven Naismith names Hearts star ‘brilliant to work with’ and possessing ‘football IQ’
The 17-year-old striker has been enjoying a lengthy stint in the team, which his talents have justified, and he is the Jambos’ equal top scorer this season with five goals.
Despite the team’s collapse, he underlined his worth with a double against Ross County, and he scored a late equalizer in the derby against Hibs. In the Conference League, he also had strikes against Petrocub and St. Mirren.
Wilson’s own manager, Neil Critchley, has previously likened Wilson to the talent of Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, the Hearts star acknowledged that he has been feeling a little embarrassed by his newfound stardom.
Wilson has maintained his spot in the team despite Elton Kabangu’s January loan signing, as he helped the Belgian win 3-2.
The teenager helped his team win by setting up his new partner to score the first goal and putting up a strong performance overall.
And in the aftermath, he has now received even more appreciation.
Before Wilson was promoted to the main squad last season, Steven Naismith worked with him on the Hearts B team. This season, he intends to give Wilson more responsibility.
Even if his playing time has increased since Naismith’s dismissal, that did occur.
However, the former Jambos manager has praised the striker’s football acumen and other qualities, as well as how easy he is to work with.
He stated in an interview with BBC Sportscene: “He did. Additionally, I know from working with him that he has a
“Getting in the box and creating chances and goals isn’t the main focus. I believe he gets lucky with the assist, but his play and intelligence are excellent overall.
There has been excellent communication between the two forwards.
“He (Wilson) wants to be in the box for chances and goals when it’s in the last third.” He controls the channels.
Because he is so young, he is a really smart player. He moves well, seizes opportunities, and is content to go with both feet.
“I believe he’s beginning to settle into that first team setting. He is mature and has faith. Excellent talent, a pleasure to work with, and incredibly passionate.
Although Hearts captain Lawrence Shankland has struggled this season, he has largely maintained his position due to a lack of competition. However, the once prolific striker has been sidelined for the majority of 2025, and his absence has coincided with an undefeated run. With Kabangu in place and Wilson playing so well, Shankland may find it difficult to get playing time after coming off the bench yesterday. Naismith said: “Yeah, at the beginning 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.”
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