flag
back Back
'That's what motivates me' - Wilson relishing Salah test

Teenage striker James Wilson is relishing the opportunity to test himself against Mo Salah in Hearts' Conference League clash with Trabzonspor tonight.

Wilson has urged his team-mates to park the disappointment of their 7-1 trouncing by Celtic as they look to bounce back against a side boasting significant experience and quality.

"We just have to draw a line under it," he said.

"This game is a great opportunity in a great stadium against a good team, and we're excited.

"We want to give the best of ourselves and try to get a result.

"It's about having the mentality to look forward to it. I'm not going into the game scared. I'm excited and happy to be here.

"This is where you want to be. You want to be playing in these big games against big players. That's what motivates me."

For Wilson, the occasion is another milestone in his development, having increased his involvement in the first team since returning to Hearts in the summer from a loan spell at Tottenham.

"I'm happy to be playing minutes again," the 19-year-old added. "I didn't play a lot last season.

"I'm happy to help the team when called upon and do whatever the coach asks of me. My responsibility is to give my best for the team."

With his contract due to expire at the end of the season, Wilson says his immediate focus remains on football rather than his longer-term future.

"I think it's still early. There's a lot of football to be played this season and I'm enjoying my football," he said.

"I'm playing and scoring a few goals, and I'm happy with how things are going at the moment."

An image detailing how to follow your Premier League team on BBC Sport: "On the app? Tap the bell icon to get news about your club sent to you. Signed in on a browser? Hit 'Follow' to stay up to date.

You may like

Calais Campbell explains what the Ravens must do to slow Joe Burrow

aol.com 59 minutes ago

'We haven't turned words into actions': Hridoy on Bangladesh's ODI woes

cricbuzz.com 13 hours ago

'What we do on the pitch is going to do the talking' - Sadiki

aol.com 4 hours ago

'We haven't turned words into actions' - Towhid Hridoy on Bangladesh's ODI woes

crictracker.com 11 hours ago

Maresca on injuries, sitting down with Foden and 'intense' Villa

aol.com 4 hours ago

‘This team must be respected,’ says Sundowns coach Cardoso on opponents Wiliete

timeslive.co.za 6 hours ago

Surging Teurlings Rebels not your typical 1-6 football team

theadvocate.com 17 hours ago

Salah is not the only Trabzonspor star for Hearts to worry about, says Vrancken

dailymail.co.uk 18 hours ago

Giants' John Harbaugh: Every team evolves, and Houston has found itself

aol.com 1 hour ago

Familiar Ground With A Fractured Start: Avalanche Searching for Momentum

si.com 14 hours ago