Meteoric rise of schoolboy striker Wilson

There had been plenty of talk about the inclusion of Lennon Miller in Scotland squads before, but James Wilson's name took plenty by surprise.

The striker, who only turned 18 last week, has enjoyed a breakthrough season at Hearts and his ascent to the national team - while he still sits his Highers at school - emphasises just how meteoric his rise has been.

Although Wilson made his debut just over a year ago in a Scottish Cup win over Spartans, eagle-eyed fans spotted him in pre-season back in 2023 when he made an impressive cameo against Leeds United.

However, it was really in the first Edinburgh derby of this season that he made his name.

In only Neil Critchley's third game in charge, Wilson was thrown on at Easter Road with Hearts trailing, in desperate search of a goal. Wilson found it, popping up in the right place at the right time to turn home a long throw.

He has gone on to make 24 appearances this campaign, scoring six goals - including a double at Ross County - and contributing two assists.

It could have been a hat-trick, too, in Dingwall as Hearts were awarded a penalty and Wilson stood patiently with the ball tucked under his arm. Sadly for him, the decision was overturned, a mistake the Scottish FA subsequently admitted.

Wilson has started 11 of Hearts' 12 past league games, becoming a vital cog in the turnaround of league form that has given Critchley's side a shot at the top six.

Only Lawrence Shankland and Blair Spittal have scored and created more, although they have also played almost 1,000 more than Wilson.

Perhaps his most impressive stat is his shot conversion. From 13 efforts, Wilson has scored five - the best conversion rate in the league. He picks and chooses when he's going to pull the trigger, and doesn't often miss.

The teenager was called up to the Scotland Under-19s in September last year, having been capped at previous age grades.

He remains eligible for Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland and England but has said previously: "I was born in Scotland, I feel Scottish."

Now he has the chance to become the youngest Scotland player since Tom Wylie in 1890 - and the third youngest of all time.

If you're worried about nerves, just look at Hearts' Scottish Cup win over St Mirren a few weeks ago. The game had gone to penalties, and Wilson stepped up first for the visitors.

Made to wait by goalkeeper Zach Hemming's mind games, he juggled the ball between his hands before placing it on the spot, taking a few steps back, and rocketing it into the top right corner.

Cool, calm, and composed, Wilson has it all to make himself a Scotland regular for years to come.