Hearts fought off interest from the likes of Manchester United to keep hold of James Wilson and they will be glad they did this evening.

The precocious talent had admiring glances from other clubs in the England as well as some in Scotland but opted to stay at Tynecastle where he sees a pathway to the first team.

He has been rewarded with subs appearances and now has two goals in his last two in the league after bundling in a late equaliser against Hibs in the derby this afternoon. Celebrating in front of the fans would have been a great moment for the boyhood Jambo.

He was clearly delighted for the 17-year-old today.

The Englishman also hailed the goal poaching instincts of the youngster who displayed the predatory nature of the legendary John Robertson.

There was a bit of debate about who got the final touch but it seems to be going to the young an.

Critchley said: "He's a goal scorer, he's a goal poacher and I think Alan [Forrest] got a lovely little touch, first contact and it sort of had deflection and then James is there and that's what goal scorers do.

"They just arrive in the right position at the right time and they find a way of hitting the back of the net.

"He says it's his goal and I hope it is his and it looks like it was his. I've not seen it clear enough to see whether it was or it wasn't, but that's him."

James Wilson Hearts contract situation As mentioned, Wilson had serious interest from serious clubs two years ago when his Hearts deal was close to ending.

Critchley was quizzed on the situation after the derby and says it is on the agenda of club chiefs.

He explained: "Obviously a part of recruitment is retaining your best players and particularly you young players, so I'm sure that's something we'll discuss.

"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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