Derek McInnes believes James Wilson would have been better served remaining at Hearts rather than joining Tottenham’s Under-21 side on deadline day.

The 18-year-old Scotland international completed a surprise loan move to Spurs until the end of the season, with the agreement including an option for the Premier League club to make the deal permanent. Arsenal had also shown interest before Tottenham moved late to secure his signature.

Wilson has scored eight goals in 45 appearances since breaking into Hearts’ first team last season but has found opportunities limited during the current campaign as the Edinburgh side pushed to the top of the William Hill Premiership.

Speaking for the first time about the striker’s departure, Hearts manager McInnes said the club had preferred Wilson to stay but accepted his decision to move.

“James wanted to go, so you don’t want to keep a player who then becomes unhappy,” McInnes said. “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 your place and be part of something here. We even spoke about getting him a loan in Scotland if he needed more minutes, with the option to recall him, so he could still get the best of both worlds.”

McInnes revealed Arsenal had initially shown interest before Tottenham emerged late in the window.

“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 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.

“We made it clear our preference was for him to stay and be part of something here. He made the decision and I hope it goes well for him because he’s a great kid.”

McInnes added that his focus must now turn to the players remaining at the club.

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