Hearts striker James Wilson ‘honoured’ to face Mohamed Salah

Hearts forward James Wilson says it is a “great honour” to share the pitch with Mohamed Salah when the Scottish side take on Trabzonspor in the Conference League.

Hearts travel to Turkey for the second round of the league phase, with the match taking place at Papara Park.

“We grew up watching Salah on television,” Wilson said at his pre-match news conference.

The young striker added: “I’m very excited and it is a great honour for me to play on the same pitch as Salah.”

Hearts are aiming to secure a positive result against a Trabzonspor side Wilson described as a major team.

“We will fight to get a good result against a big team,” he said. “We want to achieve a positive result against Trabzonspor.”

Wilson said a strong performance would give Hearts confidence when they return home.

“If we return home from Trabzon with a good result, we will feel safe,” he added.

The Hearts forward also explained how he has prepared for a match he considers an important occasion in his career.

“I try to do what my manager asks me to do,” Wilson said. “I’m enjoying my current position and the game I’m playing, and I’m proud to be involved in a match of this size.

“I’m very happy to be creating these great memories.”

Trabzonspor began their league-phase campaign with a 4-2 victory away to Finnish side KuPS.

Hearts, meanwhile, drew 1-1 at home against Danish club Nordsjælland in their opening match.