Wilson stars in front of new Scotland manager in Edinburgh derby triumph

Hearts boss Wouter Vrancken believes James Wilson has “a good chance” of earning a place in Sébastien Pocognoli’s next Scotland squad after starring in his side’s 3-1 victory over Hibernian.

The 19-year-old striker opened the scoring early in the first half of the Edinburgh derby, with new Scotland manager Pocognoli watching on from the stands at Easter Road.

Wilson is regarded as one of the brightest attacking prospects in Scottish football but has had to fight his way back into the first-team picture at Hearts.

After breaking through during the 2024-25 campaign, the young forward struggled for regular minutes last season as Hearts mounted a title challenge under Derek McInnes.

Clubs became aware of Wilson’s frustration in January, with Tottenham and Arsenal reportedly interested in taking the youngster on loan for the second half of the season.

Tottenham eventually secured the striker for their academy side on deadline day, reportedly hijacking a move to Arsenal.

Wilson impressed for Spurs Under-21s, scoring regularly and earning places on the bench for Premier League matches against Arsenal and Liverpool, but the club ultimately decided against making his move permanent.

Following further uncertainty over his future at the start of this season, Wilson has worked his way back into the Hearts side and flourished under Vrancken.

The teenager has scored four goals in his last five appearances, including a spectacular 30-yard strike against Rapid Vienna in the UEFA Conference League play-offs.

His goals have played an important role in Hearts’ seven-game unbeaten run, with Vrancken delighted by the progress he has made.

“I like it when strikers keep scoring,” Vrancken quipped after the victory over Hibernian.

“It’s good for him. He’s also adapting to the style of play. He’s a guy who from the start was always coachable and trying to get feedback.

“He’s really learning in this moment and you can see he is improving his game. This is good to see because we of course like a striker who scores his goals.”

Wilson is among a number of young Scottish forwards who could come into contention for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, while Hearts winger Josh McPake could also have caught Pocognoli’s attention after being named Player of the Match against Hibernian.

Vrancken, however, believes there is another member of his squad who has also given the new Scotland boss plenty to think about.

“I think it’s not only those two,” he said. “I think Calvin Miller has been performing at a high level all season.

“I think he will look at these guys, but for me it’s not a problem if he gives them some rest during the international break.

“I think the three of them have a good chance, so maybe as a fellow Belgian I have to give him a phone call.”

Wilson, who is the youngest player to appear for Scotland’s senior men’s team, remained focused on his own form when asked about Pocognoli watching from the stands.

“It’s good to hear,” he said. “Obviously I didn’t play as much at the start of the season.

“At the moment I’m playing games and scoring goals and that’s all I care about. I’m really happy right now,” said Wilson.