Wouter Vrancken hopes stunning strike will boost James Wilson’s confidence

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken hopes James Wilson’s stunning goal in the 2-2 Conference League draw with Rapid Vienna is a sign of things to come from the youngster.

The Scotland cap drilled in an unstoppable drive from 30 yards just moments after coming on as the hosts took the lead in the play-off first leg.

The effort marked an impressive turnaround for Hearts after Josh McPade cancelled out Serge-Philippe Raux-Yao’s first-half header.

However, Vienna scrambled in a late equaliser through Nikolaus Wumbrand to ensure the tie remains on a knife edge ahead of next week’s return leg.

Vrancken hopes 19-year-old Wilson, who struggled for game time last season before being loaned out to Tottenham in January, can take confidence from his effort.

He said: “He has to make the steps.

“I think he does good and he is coachable, but he has also got the experience in these games and that you only can get by taking minutes.

“I’m really happy, not only for James but for everybody. It was a great goal and such goals give you confidence for sure.

“He’s a young lad so for sure it will be extra special. Let’s hope he can make the next steps and we’ll see.”

Wilson’s strike lit up Tynecastle and had Hearts fans firmly believing they were in a strong position to make the group stages.

After struggling to penetrate in the first half, Hearts improved after the break and Vrancken was delighted with his team’s battling qualities.

He said: “I think we showed some good team spirit and mentality in the second half.

“Of course I’m a little bit disappointed that we couldn’t take a bonus to Vienna. But, I have to say, in the first half we tried to do the good things but the conviction was not there.

“The second half was much better. It’s just a pity the two goals we conceded, but I’m really proud of the players with what they’ve shown today and with what energy they’ve shown.

“We’ve made steps there and it’s good to see and it’s all open next week.”

Josh McPake also impressed on the wing and capped off his display with the equalising strike before going off.

And Vrancken hopes he will be fit for the second leg after complaining of tightness in his calf.

The Hearts boss added: “He felt something in his calf getting stronger and stronger, more stiff.

“With his muscles and knowing that we were already missing a lot of players you cannot take risks with muscles, especially in a game with that intensity.

“But I was really happy with this game and I think it’s a thing that you can take one or two days and then be ready again.”