James Wilson is not unduly concerned about his Hearts contract situation as he prepares for another huge European occasion against Trabzonspor. The 19-year-old striker is in the final year of his deal at Tynecastle Park and is in no rush to look ahead to next summer. He stressed he is happy with his progress this season after returning to Riccarton in June from a loan spell at Tottenham Hotspur.

Talks over a new contract are expected to take place, for Hearts do not want Wilson to leave as a free agent. He came through their youth academy and made a senior debut age 16. He has scored six goals in 15 appearances for the Edinburgh club this season after forcing his way into head coach Wouter Vrancken’s starting line-up. It remains to be seen if he makes the XI for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League tie against Trabzonspor, but the player is enjoying his time in maroon.

“I'm happy. I'm back playing in the team again. I didn't play a lot last season and I didn't start as many games earlier this season, but I've played a lot of minutes,” said Wilson. “I'm happy to help the team however I can. Whatever the coach asks of me, my responsibility is to give my best for the team.”

When asked about his contract, he replied: “It's still early. There's a lot of football left in the season. I'm enjoying my football, I'm playing and scoring a few goals, so I'm happy with everything at the moment. We know we've got a good squad and when we're at our best we can trouble any team. The main thing is making sure we're ready [for Trabzonspor], and I'm happy to play my part.”

Wilson could find himself on the same pitch as the legendary Mo Salah in Trabzon and is looking forward to the occasion. As a fan of Manchester United, he attended their match against Liverpool in April 2023 when Salah scored twice in a 7-0 romp for the Anfield men. “I went down for a Manchester United versus Liverpool game. I think it was the 7-0 game. Actually, I know it was the 7-0 game,” said the Scot. “I don't remember if any of them were there, but I'm looking forward to this occasion. It's going to be amazing.

“We knew when we saw the ties at the start of the season that it was going to be tough. We looked at Graz, then Benfica, and then we got the draw. That was really exciting. We knew we wanted these games and I was personally looking forward to them. I loved playing in Europe before and I'm happy to be here again.”

The prospect of coming up against Salah does not leave Wilson remotely flustered. “I look forward to it. I'm not going into the game scared. I'm excited and happy to be here,” he remarked. “These are the games you want to be involved in, against top players, and that's what motivates me.

“You take lessons from every game. I played European football a couple of years ago and being back in this situation is where I want to be. I've had some really good memories in Europe so far and hopefully I can make some more. I enjoy playing football and playing in these big games. At this stage of my career, it's a great experience and something I'm very happy about.”

Trabzonspor have won all of their last four games since Thomas Reis took charge as head coach, scoring 13 goals and conceding only two in the process. Wilson and his fellow forwards know it will be a challenge to break down the well-organised Turkish back line inside Papara Park. “We've done our analysis. They seem a good team and they've started the season well,” said Wilson. “We're not going to give too much away, but we're looking forward to the game and feel we're in a good position. We've looked at them and we've watched them, so we're prepared.”