Craig Wighton: Hearts paying a fee made me feel wanted

Craig Wighton admits that he was swayed to join Hearts by the fact that the club were willing to pay a fee for him and says the chance to move to the Premiership leaders from Dundee was too good to refuse.

Craig Wighton is officially unveiled as a Hearts player. Picture: Bruce White/SNS

Hearts have shelled out a six-figure sum of around £250,000 for the Scotland Under-21 forward, who could be included in the squad for tomorrow’s match against St Mirren, and he says that and the fact that the club have a reputation for giving young players a chance convinced him to sign the three-year deal.

“When a club like Hearts comes in for you then you can’t turn that down,” Wighton, 21, told Hearts TV. “I just wanted to come here as soon as I found out and I’m glad it’s done.

“The club paying a fee does make you feel wanted. I think that’s important. You want to feel wanted and there is a manager here who I’ve known for a number of years and always got on well with.

“Hearts giving young players a chance is a massive factor in me joining.” The youngster, who missed a large chunk of last term with a serious knee injury, but returned to action at the end of the season, was a huge favourite at Dens Park, but Dundee boss Neil McCann believes the move will offer him a fresh challenge and aid his development.

“He was out of contract at the end of this season and I think Craig possibly felt it was the right time for him to move,” said McCann.

“I have been in the very position as Craig having come through the ranks at this very club, and maybe he did need a bit of freshness because the last couple of performances, he will say himself, maybe he wasn’t in top form.

“He was great last year when he came back from his cruciate and he felt it was maybe the right time for him to go. The club had to be comfortable with the money they are receiving, and I believe they are. And I wish him every success at his new club. He is going to a brilliant club, I spent two periods there. It’s a huge club and I am sure that Craig will kick on.”