James Wilson told Hearts transfer exit to Tottenham is the wrong move as Derek McInnes fires academy barb

Wilson has joined Spurs on loan until the end of the season in a deal that includes an option for the North London club to buy

Derek McInnes has told James Wilson he’s made the wrong move signing for Spurs.

The Hearts kid made a surprise deadline day switch to the Premier League giants after opting to join Tottenham’s youth set up on an initial six month loan that includes an option to buy.

North London rivals Arsenal had also been credited with an interest but instead chose to move for St Mirren teenager Evan Mooney.

But McInnes was honest with Wilson when he told the Scotland international he should be aiming for a bigger opportunity than a return for academy kicks outs.

The 18-year-old was still a schoolboy when he made a sensational breakthrough into the Hearts first team, with six goals last season earning him a debut cap against Greece.

But he’s struggled for game time this term after McInnes transformed the Tynecastle outfit into title contenders.

With just 10 appearances and two goals, Wilson decided it was time to try something new despite McInnes’ attempts to rethink the move.

The Jambos gaffer said: “Yeah, so James wanted to go, that has to be said.

“You don't want to keep a player who then become unhappy. I couldn't guarantee him minutes, such as the way it's been.

"I told him and his agent knew that our preference was to stay, fight for your place, be part of something, get you a loan in Scotland if need be, if you need to top your minutes up and we can maybe recall you. So you still get the best of both worlds.

"But his head was turned with the Tottenham thing. First of all it was Arsenal, then Arsenal went quiet and then all of a sudden Tottenham came to the table on [Monday] afternoon.

"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.

"So like I say, we made it clear that our preference was for him to stay and be part of something here. But he made the decision and I hope it goes well for him because he's a great kid and we'll see how it plays out.

"But for us, I just need to concentrate on the players who are here and who want to be here and who want to play their part."

While McInnes wasn’t convinced by Wilson’s switch, Saints boss Stephen Robinson believes Mooney’s move to the Gunners will be great for the player - and the Buddies.

Arsenal won the race for the highly-rated forward after offering up a package that starts with an initial £400,000 sum and could double with add ons. A sizeable sell-on clause could make the deal even more profitable for the Paisley outfit.

Robinson said: “It’s a terrific move for Evan. I have to give out chief exec Keith Lasley a special mention as well.

"I think he's negotiated an incredible deal for the football club because the initial offer was to take him on loan with a view to a permanent.

“I was looking for Gabriel in return because Evan’s a first team player for us! I was hoping we'd get Gabriel.

"It didn't quite materialise and Keith then took over from the negotiations and negotiated a very, very good deal for St Mirren. A very good deal for Evan. You get your opportunity to go and play for and be part of a club like Arsenal.

"We wish him nothing but good luck. He's managed to play in a cup final. He's managed to get 18 appearances.

"If you look around the league, there isn't too many 18-year-olds playing in the Premiership. He was 17 at the time when he made those appearances. “Hopefully, this football club have helped a small way to set him on his way and I believe he's got a big future in the game.”

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