James Wilson keeping Hearts cool amid Hibs derby heat as teenage hotshot doesn't regret snubbing England

Hearts teenager James Wilson has kept a cool head when those around him have lost theirs.

And the talented striker has vowed to continue to keep taking everything in his stride at the tender age of 17 ahead of today’s visit of Hibs. The Scotland Under-19 international has started the last two games as the Gorgie side drew with Petrocub in the Conference League and beat St Johnstone on Sunday to climb off the Premiership basement.

After hitting the net last Thursday against the Moldovans, he then had a fine effort chalked off for offside against Saints. Sandwiched in-between those two games Hearts also announced a contract extension until 2026 for the sought-after marksman. He will now look to follow up his derby heroics today after netting a late equaliser in October's 1-1 draw at Easter Road. And despite the tense atmosphere surrounding Hearts with the fans on edge amid the battle at the wrong end of the table, Wilson has risen to the occasion.

He said: “With the tough times you get the opportunity I guess. Naturally, if other people aren't performing, you get the opportunity and when you're there, you just have to take it.

“That's all I'm thinking about when I'm on the pitch, playing as well as I can, having an impact in the game and seeing where it takes me. I think in football, games come quite quickly. I think that's what you have to do, take everything in your stride.

“It's another day, another game. You just have to be ready. It's been a good period, an enjoyable period.”

Hearts fought off interest from English football’s big guns to tie down Wilson on a new deal back in April 2023 and he triggered an appearance-related extension last week. Liverpool and Manchester United as well as both Celtic and Rangers have