According To SkySport News, James Wilson in contention for Hearts start as Neil Critchley reveals how derby hero avoided ear bashing

The hit kid was the Jambos’ Easter Road leveller on Sunday but was back at school 24 hours later.

James Wilson returned to the Hearts training site Tuesday morning, having spent the day studying at school after his exploits in the Edinburgh derby.

Neil Critchley claims that the hitkid was the first to appear on the grass at the Oriam. Had he not been, the manager believes he would have had a flea in the ear from his seniors in the Jambos dressing room. Despite receiving attention for his late equalizer in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Hibs, Critchley is confident that the 17-year-old will not outgrow his position.

Not when he’s a perfect student of the game, and his playground is the opposing 18-yard box. Wilson has two goals from two sub appearances in the last week, and Critchley believes he might start against Kilmarnock today. The Hearts manager stated, “He was the first on the training pitch this morning.” If he’d been with the group or come out later, he’d have gotten an earful! But he’s a humble child. I believe he’s bit embarrassed by the attention.

“He really loves scoring goals and playing football. That is all I want him to focus on right now. How do I handle a seventeen-year-old? As you would a 34-year-old. You regard each player as an individual; everyone is unique.

“You have specific boundaries for how you wish to operate. However, because each person is unique, how I interact with them may change. James is plainly 17, so I would address him differently than I would Craig Gordon, for example. But your ideals and morals are always constant.

“James is a nice, unassuming youngster who wants to listen and learn. And I add that I believe the attention makes him little embarrassed. He, like everyone else, finds himself in dispute. If he performs and trains well, he will be in contention.

“One thing I always keep in mind is not to put too much pressure on him. He’s 17, and he’s a baby. He has so much time. But the great thing about us and this club is that we can give him that time.”

Critchley welcomes Beni Baningime back from sickness tonight, but Yutaro Oda, Calem Nieuwenhof, and Gerald Taylor are still absent. Summer signing Andres Salazar is yet to play under the new manager following a rocky start at Gorgie. Critchley said, “Unfortunately, I have to disappoint some players every week.” That is not the lovely aspect of the job.

“Some guys will like me because they are on the squad. Some players will believe I’m OK since they’re on the team, while others will think I’m an idiot. That’s simply the nature of this industry. What we do is ensure that the players receive our complete respect. We teach them appropriately, so that when the chance arises, they are prepared to perform.”

Meanwhile, Critchley admits he isn’t the local hero or “sexy foreign name” that some Hearts supporters wanted as leader. However, after touring Edinburgh on Monday in search of a permanent home, the Englishman believes he is ready to prove he is not a football management tourist.

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