James Wilson was the hero for Heart of Midlothian in the Edinburgh derby on Sunday afternoon.

The 17-year-old replaced Malachi Boateng in the 73rd minute as Hearts trailed Hibs 1-0 at Easter Road before going on to score a late equaliser turning in a flick-on from a long throw.

It was Wilson's second goal in the space of a week having scored his first for the first team last weekend in the 4-0 win over St Mirren.

The teenager is one of the most highly-rated youngsters at Tynecastle Park with the club having to fight off stiff competition, north and south of the border, to keep him at the club.

Wilson signed a contract extension in April 2023. It was a two-year deal with an option for a further year. 

"You can see where the pathway is going with this club and it’s a great thing to see," he said at the time. "As a young player, that’s what you want.

“You never come in as one of the best players but you work hard every day and try and become the best you can with hard work.”

He has since become part of the first-team plans, making his debut under Steven Naismith last year. This campaign has seen him split playing time between the B team and first team.

Asked if a contract extension is something he would be looking at, Neil Critchley confirmed it was on the club's radar.

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

"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."

He added: "I hope [he'll have a big future at the club], yes. I've been really impressed with James since I've come in. Good kid, always smiling, breath of fresh air. When you need a goal and you need a bit of energy at the top end of the pitch, then I'm delighted to get a chance to turn around and put him on the pitch."