‘I haven’t had that before’ – Hearts’ James Wilson admits Celtic gave him a career first at Parkhead

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Celtic’s win over Hearts kept the 13-point gap at the top of the table intact.

Brendan Rodgers sees his runaway title defence remain on track after Celtic’s comfortable Hearts win, and now, it’s St Johnstone who are up next at McDairmid Park.

But it’s the Celtic Park defeat that is on young Hearts striker James Wilson’s mind.

The youngster had his second taste of football at Paradise and has admitted that on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic gave him an experience he’s never had before.

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Hearts’ James Wilson admits to Celtic ‘learning curve’ after Parkhead defeat

Hearts started well but Celtic eventually asserted their dominance but it was in the first half that Wilson admits he’s never experienced such a ‘tough’ 45 minutes.

Wilson told the Edinburgh Evening News, [print edition page 48]: “It was a learning curve. I haven’t had that before, so it was a new experience. Hopefully, I’ll change that.

“It was tough. We tried to press a little bit and get after them. They broke the press and scored three goals, which is probably quite fair from our point of view, but it was a tough 45 minutes.”

James Wilson gutted at missed Hearts chance with Celtic admission

Wilson had a great chance to score when Hearts were 2-0 down and the young Hearts striker was gutted not to hit the back of the net.

Wilson continued, “I’ve got to score. I tried to head it back across goal and overcooked it. I see Elton (Kabangu) there, so it’s one of those ones where you aim it to the far post. If you head it back too much, he taps it in. If you score, you score, but it was one of those unlucky ones where you put it in between the two of them.

“It’s probably the right idea. You’ve got to score; you’ve got to hit the target. The game is quicker when you play top teams. You do see the change in tempo, in pace. Celtic are a good team. On the day, they deserved to win.”

Celtic are unbeaten against Hearts this season and have won the last four meetings easily between the two clubs.

With a Scottish Cup final meeting at Hampden between the two clubs a possibility, Celtic will look to start that match a lot more quicker and sharper should they meet Hearts in the showpiece final.