New Tottenham Hotspur boss Igor Tudor promoted Hearts loanee James Wilson to the bench after the youngster impressed the Spurs management team ahead of the North London Derby.

Despite not featuring in the match against Arsenal, the 18-year-old would have gained a new viewpoint of one of English football’s biggest games. Missing several players through injury, Tudor may turn to the Scotland international in the coming months.

Wilson had endured a frustrating start to the season for Hearts. But after two appearances for Tottenham’s U-21’s side, he was thrust into the match squad against their bitter rivals. Quite the turn of events for a player who fell down the pecking order in the Gorgie ranks.

Despite preferring the likes of Claudio Braga and Pierre Landry Kabore, Derek McInnes had advised that he did not want the youngster to make the London move.

James wanted to go, so you don’t want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” said McInnes.

“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.

“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. I just need to concentrate on the players who are here and who want to be here and play their part.”

The move may turn fortuitous for the Hearts Academy graduate, who may feature on the Premier League stage before the end of the season.