Wolves' Dexter Lembikisa open to extending Hearts loan

Fresh from scoring his first-ever international goal for Jamaica - a left-footed thunderbolt from distance that just about took the roof of Panama's goal - Lembikisa was asked about representing his country, how he is enjoying his time at Hearts, and whether or not talks have taken place over potentially extending his loan into next season.

Here's everything Lembikisa had to say:

Can you talk us through the goal?

Against Panama, I saw Bobby [De Cordova-Reid] coming deeper to get the ball and then the space between the centre-back and full-back opened up. Michael Hector found me with a good ball. I just cut in, did a stepover and hit a shot and it went in the top bin. It was with my left foot as well.

Have you scored any better than that?

I scored one I'd rank similar to that for Rotherham. It is quite a good goal but I like that goal last week. I like to shoot and I like to try and attack so I will definitely look to get some goals [for Hearts].

Were you emotional?

Obviously I was really happy. It was my first goal and a good goal, but in the previous game against the USA we were 1-0 up for the whole game and then they equalised. I was just trying to make sure we finished the game strongly to win the game.

What do you take from international duty?

I'd say more experience - playing different people and different players at the top level. Plus playing and training with top players in your team.

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Who has been your most difficult opponent with Jamaica?

I'd say Alphonso Davies. He is obviously a top player. I had to be switched on against Canada!

What was the reaction in Jamaica to your goal?

I saw a few messages and a lot of people congratulating us. It's a good step for Jamaica to finish third in that tournament [CONCACAF Nations League]. I think it gave people a lot of hope in our team to continue to push on, succeed, win more games and win big things.

You have made history with Jamaica, now it's time to make history at Hearts by finishing third and potentially winning a cup?

Definitely, we’re going to take it one game at a time and perform the best we can and try and get good results.

Is this a career-defining period?

Definitely, I like to focus on what I’m doing now - the next game and the next game. That is easier than it all building up in the back of your head.

Has your Hearts move lived up to expectations?

Yeah, I’ve enjoyed it a lot to be fair. I’ve enjoyed the football and being away from home, I’ve enjoyed Edinburgh and met good people up here. There is a lot of attacking football played as well and I’ve enjoyed my football and training everyday, it’s been nice. 

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Would you consider a longer spell?

Potentially, whatever God's will is for me. There haven't been any discussions about that yet.

How does your loan at Hearts compare to Rotherham?

It’s different. The teams are in different positions, so the football is going to be different and the atmosphere is going to be different, like the attacking side and defending.

Do you get feedback from Wolves?

I speak to them, they want me to do my best and they are always telling me to improve on things I’ve done well.

What has been the message from Naismith How does he want you to keep developing?

Just keep doing my job as a right back, firstly defend and make sure the chances are minimised, of course have attacking license as well and try and get crosses in the box and create and score goals as well. 

Enjoying the competition with Atkinson?

Definitely. He is a great player and it’s good to have that healthy competition. That pushes each other on.

Is the message this weekend to shoot with your left foot?

Potentially yeah, if it opens up I’m all for it! I just hope we can win the game and get the three points.

If Hearts can stretch gap to 14 points, then third would be as good as secured?

Definitely, we need to go in there and win the game and continue to do what we’ve been doing.