Hearts boss Derek McInnes believes that James Wilson has made the wrong decision in joining Tottenham, stating that the forward is ‘better than that’.
James Wilson to Tottenham ‘Isn’t The Right Move’
James Wilson to Tottenham ‘isn’t the right move’, according to Hearts boss Derek McInnes.
The forward joined the Premier League side on a six0month loan from the Scottish Premiership leaders on deadline day, with the deal including an option to buy at the end of the season.
Arsenal had also been interested in signing the 18-year-old Scotland international this winter.
Wilson joined Spurs instead and is set to link up with the North London club’s U21 squad for the rest of the season, however McInnes believes the striker is ‘better than that’.
He said: “James wanted to go, so you don’t want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy.
“I couldn’t guarantee him minutes, such is the way it’s been. I told him and his agent that our preference was to stay, fight for his place, be part of something.
“We’d get him a loan in Scotland if need be, to top his minutes up, and we can maybe recall him – still get the best of both worlds.
The youngster broke into the Jam Tarts’ squad last season, and having registered eight goals and three assists in 45 appearances for the first team, he has struggled for minutes this term.
In total, he has made 10 appearances in all competitions this term, netting only two goals.
“But his head was turned with the Tottenham thing. First it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet, and then all of a sudden Tottenham came to the table.
“I don’t think it’s the right move for him. Ultimately, it’s academy football, and I think he’s better than that. But it was something James wanted to do.
“I hope it goes well for him because he’s a great kid. We’ll see how it plays out.”
Hearts Left Light In Striker Department
Wilson’s departure leaves McInnes and Hearts light in the striker department.
It comes amid a long-term injury to star striker and club captain Lawrence Shankland.
The 30-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his side’s Scottish Cup defeat by Falkirk last month and was ruled out for between six and eight weeks following initial assessments.
It comes as a major blow to the Jam Tarts’ title ambitions. Those dreams were dealt an even further blow on Tuesday evening, as they fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat away at St Mirren.
They remain six points clear at the summit, but if Celtic and/or Rangers prevail in their fixtures against Aberdeen and Kilmarnock on Wednesday, their lead will be cut to just three points.
Our Aberdeen vs Celtic betting tips suggest that the Bhoys are favourites to prevail.
As it stands, Hearts are now the third favourites in the Scottish Premiership winner odds market.
McInnes’ men are priced at 5/2, behind favourites Celtic (11/10) and Rangers (2/1).
Pierre Landry Kabore and Claudio Braga are expected to be Hearts’ main strikers in Shankland’s absence and following Wilson’s exit, while January signing Elton Kabangu is also an option.
