Lewis Neilson’s Hearts sliding doors moment as he reveals exit talks ahead of big chance
The 21-year-old defender was naturally unreliable as a 19-year-old and got a brief opportunity to play for the first team at Tynecastle in the 2022–2023 season.
The next season, he was sent on loan to Partick Thistle, where he featured frequently and nearly helped them earn promotion from the Championship.
In an attempt to give him some top flight experience, St Johnstone sent Neilson to McDiarmid Park this season, where he played eighteen games.
However, he was needed back in Gorgie and was summoned up when the January transfer window opened after Hearts suffered a double injury blow from Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley.
However, Neil Critchley made a move to correct the center-half position and added Jamie McCart and Michael Steinwender.
As a result, Neilson was demoted and appeared to be going out on loan once more.
The teenage player was expected to arrive early for training after not being included in the Hearts squad for Saturday’s victory over Kilmarnock. However, it all changed when Daniel Oyegoke was left out due to his upcoming transfer to Hellas Verona.
As it happened, Craig Halkett had to be replaced after suffering an early injury, and Neilson was moved to the substitutes’ bench.
After playing for most of the 3-2 victory, it was a hectic day. Because of his performance, he has now played for two clubs this season and is unable to go out on loan again, unless it was to St Johnstone.
For Saturday, Neilson told the Edinburgh Evening News, “I wasn’t even in the squad.” “Late on Friday, I received a text message that said, ‘We’re training tomorrow morning before the game.'” A few hours later, I believe I received a text message that read, “You’re in the squad now, actually.”
“I was prepared, fully committed to my training, and giving it my best. When the occasion arose—sadly, it appears that Halks has sustained a little injury—I was ready to take a chance.
“I played the majority of the games during my respectable tenure at St Johnstone. I partly expected to get a chance when I was dragged back.
The boys had been playing extremely well lately, particularly defensively, so I wasn’t getting any minutes, which annoyed me a little. The idea of returning on loan to several other teams was then discussed.
“I can’t go anywhere after Saturday, so hopefully I can stay on the team and continue.”
After possibly lacking that confidence as a 19-year-old, he now feels like a legitimate Hearts player and is eager to take advantage of the opportunity that has come his way.
Yes, absolutely. He declared, “I love being here at Hearts, and I’m staying here.” “My dream scenario has always been to join the team and remain there, but I’ve never been able to do that. I’m hoping to stay on the team now that I have this small chance.
We spoke with the manager for quite a while. It is completely understandable that he was uncertain about the incomings and outgoings that would occur in football. “Just be ready if your chance comes,” was the advice I received.
As previously said, it appeared that the opportunity would not materialize. There appeared to be enough of cover in that position because we brought in Michael along with Halks and Jamie.
After that, we discussed seeking for a loan. That has obviously changed since then, but at the end of the day, football is what it is, and you just need to be prepared.
When I was summoned back due to injuries with [Stephen] Kingsley and Frankie [Kent], I wasn’t overly shocked. However, there was a lot of cover there, and there have been rumors of new center-halves joining.
“That shouldn’t affect you too much. You only need to work as hard as you can and demonstrate to the coach that you are prepared for a chance when it presents itself. You have been brought back.
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