Danny Wilson (footballer, born 1991)

Danny Wilson

Wilson in 2012
Personal information
Full nameDaniel Wilson
Date of birth27 December 1991
Place of birthLivingston, West Lothian, Scotland
Height1.87 m (6 ft 1 1⁄2 in)[1]
Playing positionCentre back
Club information
Current team
Heart of Midlothian
Number4
Youth career
2006–2009Rangers
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps†(Gls)†
2009–2010Rangers14(1)
2010–2013Liverpool2(0)
2012→ Blackpool (loan)6(0)
2012–2013→ Bristol City (loan)1(0)
2013→ Heart of Midlothian (loan)13(0)
2013–Heart of Midlothian62(8)
National team‡
2007Scotland U174(1)
2008–2010Scotland U198(0)
2010–2012Scotland U2114(0)
2010–Scotland5(1)
* Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 21 April 2015.

† Appearances (Goals).

‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 18 January 2013

Daniel "Danny" Wilson (born 27 December 1991) is a Scottish footballer who currently captains Scottish Championship club Heart of Midlothian, where he plays as a centre back. Wilson has previously played for Liverpool and Rangers and had loan spells at Blackpool and Bristol City. He has also represented the Scottish national team at U-17, U-19, U-21 and at full international level.

Club career

Rangers

Wilson came through the youth team ranks at Rangers and captained the under-19 team. He was tipped early on to have a big future at Ibrox (being compared to Alan Hansen), even drawing interest from other clubs before he had made his professional debut.[2] Wilson had been an unused substitute on several occasions during the latter part of the 2008–09 season, including the 2009 Scottish Cup Final against Falkirk.[3]

He made his professional debut for Rangers against Dundee in the League Cup, playing the full 90 minutes of a 3–1 win in October 2009.[4][5] Just over a week later, he became the youngest Rangers player to play in the UEFA Champions League by starting a 1–1 draw against Unirea Urziceni, aged just 17 years, 312 days. After the match, Wilson described making his debut as "unbelievable".[6] While veteran captain David Weir commented on Wilson, reminding himself as a seventeen years old version of himself.[7] Having made three appearance so far, Wilson says he doesn't expect to have more starts, once Majid Bougherra made his return.[8] Weir then revealed that both Weir and Saša Papac helped him to handle his step up to the first team.[9] Wilson scored his first goal for Rangers in a 4–1 away victory against Hearts at Tynecastle on 27 March 2010.[10] In mid-March, Wilson is close of signing a new contract, according to Manager Walter Smith.[11]

After a promising debut season, Wilson was awarded both the Scottish FWA Young Player of the Year award and the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year award.[12] He was also voted as Rangers Young Player of the Year by the clubs supporters.[13] Upon receiving the awards, Wilson says winning the double in his first season with Rangers is something special.[14] In all for Rangers, he played 26 times and scored once. He was sent off in the 2010 League Cup Final against St Mirren.[15] After the match, Wilson says his sending off was his first and was gutted, in addition, he felt receiving a red card let the team down.[16]

While in process of signing a contract, Wilson was linked with Premier League side Aston Villa and Liverpool.[17] On 27 April 2010, Wilson negotiations for a new contract has been broken down.[18]

Liverpool

Wilson warming up, along with compatriot Charlie Adam and Jon Flanagan.

On 21 July 2010, Wilson joined Liverpool and signed a three-year deal for an initial transfer fee of £2 million, potentially rising to £5 million based on appearances.[19] Two months later, on 22 September 2010, Wilson move would have led Liverpool to give Rangers £300,000 for making his first competitive appearance for the club.[20] He appeared regularly for the reserves in the early part of the season, scoring his first goal for the second-string on 20 October 2010, in a 3–3 draw with Blackburn Rovers at Prenton Park.[21]

He made his debut for the first team on 22 September 2010 in their defeat to League Two side Northampton Town in the third round of the League Cup;[22] Northampton winning 4–2 on penalties after a 2–2 draw.[23] In the January transfer window, Wilson was linked with a loan move to Rangers's Old Firm rival Celtic.[24] But the move never happened. Wilson played for Liverpool in a Europa League tie with Sparta Prague in which he played the full 90 minutes and was praised for his effort by manager Kenny Dalglish.[25] He made his first Premier League start on 27 February 2011 at the Boleyn Ground in a 3–1 defeat against West Ham United.[26] On 17 March, he again started a Europa League tie against Braga.[27] On 2 April, he replaced the injured Daniel Agger during the first half in a 2–1 defeat away to West Bromwich Albion.[28]

In the 2011–12 season, Wilson wanted to leave Liverpool by going out loan, in order to get a first team football.[29] Interested, Rangers are among them to make a return to sign Wilson.[30] Wilson made his first appearance against his ex side Rangers in a 1–0 friendly defeat on 18 October 2011.[31]

Upon joining Hearts, Wilson says he doesn't have any regrets about joining Liverpool and insist it made him a better player.[32]

Loan spells

On 31 December 2011 it was confirmed that Wilson would join Blackpool on loan until the end of the season once the transfer window was declared opened the following day. He made his debut in Blackpool 2–1 win against Crystal Palace.[33]

On 22 November 2012, he was loaned to Championship side Bristol City.[34] He was given the number 40 shirt. He made his City debut two days later in a 3–1 win at Middlesbrough.

Hearts

On 18 January 2013, he joined Scottish Premier League side Heart of Midlothian (Hearts) on loan from Liverpool until the end of the season.[35] He was given the squad number four[36] and made his debut the following day from the start at Celtic Park, in a Scottish Premier League match against Celtic, in a 4–1 defeat.[37]

He then played in the Scottish League Cup for the first time in three years when Hearts face Inverness Caledonian Thistle, which Hearts win in a penalty-shootout after a tie 1–1 in the regular time and kept after extra-time. The win will put Hearts in the final.[38] However, there was controversy over his appearance when he last play in Scottish League Cup, resulted him a red card three years ago.[39] The Scottish FA solve the problem that Wilson was indeed eligible, stating Wilson served his ban at the beginning of season 2010/11 and FA does not operate competition-specific disciplinary procedures.[40] In the final against St. Mirren, Wilson was started in the match, partnering a central defender with captain Andy Webster. The match ended with St. Mirren winning 3–2 against them, having gained revenge on him for three years ago.[41] Since moving to Hearts, Wilson has become a regular in the first team and willing to stay at Hearts for a longer term.[42]

On 27 May 2013, it was announced that Wilson would sign a permanent deal with Hearts after his Liverpool contract was up in the summer.[43] The move was initially blocked by the SPL following the club entering administration and being unable to register new players,[44] but this was later rescinded and Wilson was confirmed as a Hearts player on 30 June.[45] On 2nd of July, Hearts made Wilson club captain at the age of just 21, which manager Gary Locke quote "a big responsibility for him". It is thought this is the reason for Wilson re-signing with the club.[46]

Wilson first game at Hearts as a captain came in the opening game of the season, in a 1-0 defeat to St. Johnstone.[47] After winning 3-1 against Aberdeen on 24 August 2014, Wilson was involved in an incident and swore at the opposition's players that saw him missed a one match ban.[48] Then in November, Wilson then played a role of giving Hearts point slightly in two games when he provided one goal, in a 3-1 win over Aberdeen[49] and another, in a 2-2 draw against Ross County.[50] Soon, Wilson would be on the sideline when he had tonsillitis[51] and scored on his return in a 3-3 draw against St Johnstone.[52] Wilson scored his second goal of the season a month later on 21 March 2014, in a 2-1 loss against Dundee United.[53] His third goal was came in a 4-2 defeat to Partick Thistle on 7 May 2014.[54] However, Wilson was unable to help the club survive the relegation in the Scottish Premiership and despite this, Wilson made thirty three appearance and scoring three times in the league. Despite the relegation, Wilson vowed to help the club bounce back to the Scottish Premiership, as he keen to stay at Hearts when they will be in the Scottish Championship.[55]

In his second season at Hearts, Wilson stated he was looking forward to play in the Scottish Championship with Hearts[56] and eventually when he scored the club's first goal of the season in the Scottish Championship against his former club, Rangers, which he refused to celebrate. Hearts would went on to win 2-1.[57] Soon, Wilson was soon on the sideline when he strain his hamstring.[58] Wilson made his return against Queen of the South and scored his second goal of the season, as well as, providing two assists in a 4-1 win.[59] Wilson captained Hearts through the 2014/15 season as they won the Championship and gained promotion to the Premiership.[60] Near the end of the season, it was reported by BBC Sport that Wilson had exercised a clause in his contract allowing him to become a free agent.[60]

International

Youth teams

Wilson has represented Scotland throughout various underage levels, including captaining the under-19 national football team and features for the under-21 side, He has been involved in the international set-up since the age of 15 and captained the under-19s during 2009.[61] Due to his lack of regular first team football, Wilson dropped back into the under-21 team in October 2011, he has been a regular for the Under-21s in their 2013 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying campaign.[62]

Senior team

Wilson playing for Scotland against Brazil.

He made five appearances for the under-21s, before making an impressive debut for Craig Levein's side, on 16 November 2010, Wilson played his first ever game for Scotland, scoring on his debut in a 3–0 win in a friendly against the Faroe Islands.[63] On 27 March 2011, he came off the bench to play against Brazil in a friendly match at the Emirates Stadium.[64] In an important 2012 European Championship qualifying game against the Czech Republic, Wilson came on as a substitute and conceded a late penalty which allowed the Czechs to claim a late point at 2–2. However replays of the incident showed that the Czech player involved, Jan Rezek, had dived under Wilson's challenge, and the referee Kevin Blom later admitted that he had been deceived.

International goals

Goal Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 16 November 2010 Aberdeen, Scotland  Faroe Islands 1–0 3–0 Friendly

Club career statistics

As of 10 May 2014[65][66]
Club performance League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Season Club League Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
2009–10 Rangers SPL 14 1 6 0 4 0 2 0 26 1
2010–11 Liverpool Premier League 2 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 8 0
2011–12 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 0
Blackpool (loan) Championship 60400000100
2012–13 Liverpool Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Bristol City (loan) Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2012–13 Heart of Midlothian (loan) SPL 13 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 15 0
2013–14 Heart of Midlothian Premiership 32 4 1 0 4 1 0 0 37 5
2014–15 Championship 30 5 0 0 1 0 1 0 32 5
Career total 100101101318013211

Personal life

Wilson says his role model is former A.C. Milan central defender and captain Paolo Maldini.[67] Wilson is friends with Gordon Smith since being part of the same Scotland under-15 side.[68]

Honours

Rangers
Heart of Midlothian

Individual

References

  1. ↑ "Danny Wilson, Liverpool FC, Central defender". IMScouting. Retrieved 25 March 2011.
  2. ↑ "Rangers defender Danny Wilson: The new Alan Hansen". IMScouting. 8 April 2010. Retrieved 13 April 2010.
  3. ↑ "Rangers 1–0 Falkirk" BBC Sport, 30 May 2009
  4. ↑ "Dundee 1–3 Rangers" BBC Sport, 27 October 2009
  5. ↑ "Rangers set to hand hotly-tipped rookie Danny Wilson first-team debut against Dundee". Daily Record. 27 October 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  6. ↑ "Wilson not expecting more starts". BBC Sport. 5 November 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  7. ↑ "David Weir: I don't worry about age barrier with Danny Wilson – I think of myself as a 17-year-old too". Daily Record. 4 November 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  8. ↑ "I won't be unhappy if I have to step aside for more experienced stars, says Rangers kid Danny Wilson" Daily Record, 5 November 2009
  9. ↑ "Rangers star Danny Wilson: I'm learning from defensive masters Weir & Papac". Daily Record. 4 November 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  10. ↑ "Hearts 1–4 Rangers". BBC Sport. 27 March 2010.
  11. ↑ "Smith expects Wilson deal". Sky Sports. 27 March 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  12. ↑ "Rangers youngster Danny Wilson overjoyed with debut season in the Scottish Premier League". Goal.com. 3 May 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
  13. ↑ "Davis at the Double". Rangers FC. 18 April 2010. Retrieved 18 May 2010.
  14. ↑ "Danny Wilson: Winning the double in my first season with Rangers would be a dream". Daily Record. 21 April 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  15. ↑ St Mirren 0 – 1 Rangers BBC Sport, 21 March 2010
  16. ↑ "Rangers starlet Danny Wilson admits first red card takes shine of Cup winner's medal". Daily Recprd. 23 March 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  17. ↑ "Reds chase Gers youngster". Sky Sports. 3 April 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  18. ↑ "Kop that". The Scottish Sun. 27 April 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  19. ↑ "Rangers defender Wilson completes Liverpool switch". STV Sport. 21 July 2010. Retrieved 21 July 2010.
  20. ↑ "Wilson’s jackpot for Gers". The Scottish Sun. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  21. ↑ Mixed emotions for McMahon Liverpool FC, 20 October 2010
  22. ↑ New Reds defender Wilson gagging for action MirrorFootball, 21 September 2010
  23. ↑ Liverpool 2 – 2 Northampton BBC Sport, 22 September 2010
  24. ↑ "Celtic in shock bid to land former Rangers defender Danny Wilson on loan from Liverpool". Daily Record. 25 January 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  25. ↑ Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish takes positives from performances of Kyrgiakos, Ngog and Danny Wilson in 0–0 draw with Sparta Prague goal.com, 17 February 2011
  26. ↑ West Ham 3 – 1 Liverpool BBC Sport, 27 February 2011
  27. ↑ Liverpool 0 – 0 Braga (agg 0 – 1) BBC Sport, 17 March 2011
  28. ↑ West Brom 2 – 1 Liverpool BBC Sport, 2 April 2011
  29. ↑ "Scotland star Danny Wilson: I'm prepared to go out on loan from Liverpool in order to get first team football". Daily Record. 11 August 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  30. ↑ "Danny Wilson: Chance of a return to Rangers on loan appeals to me". Daily Record. 12 August 2011. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  31. ↑ "It's Lover-Lee For Gers". Rangers F.C. 18 October 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  32. ↑ "Danny Wilson: No regrets on Liverpool move". BBC Sport. 22 January 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  33. ↑ "Liverpool youngster Wilson agrees to join Blackpool on loan". Daily Mail. 31 December 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  34. ↑ "Wilson seals loan move". Liverpool F.C. Retrieved 22 November 2012.
  35. ↑ "Hearts secure defender Danny Wilson on loan deal". BBC Sport. BBC. 18 January 2013. Retrieved 18 January 2013.
  36. ↑ "Celtic 4–1 Hearts". BBC Sport. BBC. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  37. ↑ "Celtic 4–1 Hearts". skysports.com. Sky Sports. 19 January 2013. Retrieved 19 January 2013.
  38. ↑ "Inverness CT 5 Hearts 6: Hearts book their place in the League Cup final with dramatic penalty win". Daily Record. 26 January 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  39. ↑ "Inverness Caledonian Thistle want answers over Danny Wilson's League Cup semi-final appearance". Daily Record. 29 January 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  40. ↑ "Scottish FA confirms Danny Wilson's League Cup eligibility". BBC Sport. 29 January 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  41. ↑ "St. Mirren 3–2 Hearts". BBC Sport. 17 March 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  42. ↑ "Liverpool defender Danny Wilson willing to stay at Heart for the long term". Sky Sports. 31 March 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  43. ↑ "Liverpool's Danny Wilson makes Hearts switch permanent". BBC Sport. 27 May 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  44. ↑ "Hearts confirm deal to take Danny Wilson from Liverpool is off". sport.stv.tv. STV. 21 June 2013. Retrieved 21 June 2013.
  45. ↑ "Danny Wilson: Hearts signing of Liverpool defender confirmed". BBC Sport. 30 June 2013.
  46. ↑ "Hearts choose Danny Wilson as new captain". BBC Sport. 2 July 2013. Retrieved 2 July 2013.
  47. ↑ "Scottish Premiership: Stevie May's goal enough for St Johnstone". Sky Sports. 4 August 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  48. ↑ "Hearts skipper Danny Wilson hit with one game ban after tunnel 'sheep' blast at Aberdeen players". Daily Record. 27 August 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  49. ↑ "Aberdeen 1 – 3 Heart of Midlothian". BBC Sport. 9 November 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  50. ↑ "Heart of Midlothian 2 – 2 Ross County". BBC Sport. 23 November 2013. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  51. ↑ "Hearts boss Gary Locke: Billy Brown has been a major influence on my career.. to lose him will definitely disrupt things". Daily Record. 17 January 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  52. ↑ "St Johnstone 3 - 3 Hearts". BBC Sport. 18 January 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  53. ↑ "Heart of Midlothian 1 – 2 Dundee United". BBC Sport. 21 March 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  54. ↑ "Hearts 2 - 4 Partick Thistle". BBC Sport. 7 May 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  55. ↑ "Danny Wilson is happy to be at Hearts but is undecided on where he'll be next season". Daily Record. 30 March 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  56. ↑ "Scottish Championship: Hearts defender Danny Wilson looking forward to new season". Sky Sports. 13 June 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  57. ↑ "Rangers 1 - 2 Hearts". BBC Sport. 10 August 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  58. ↑ "Hearts boss Robbie Neilson: We're not worried that Rangers could be breathing down our necks by Saturday night". Daily Record. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  59. ↑ "Hearts 4 - 1 Queen of the South". BBC Sport. 6 December 2014. Retrieved 30 December 2014.
  60. ↑ 60.0 60.1 McLauchlin, Brian (19 April 2015). "Hearts: Captain Danny Wilson to leave Hearts in summer". BBC Sport. BBC. Retrieved 21 April 2015.
  61. ↑ "Danny Wilson Profile". Scottish FA.
  62. ↑ "Danny Wilson set for Scotland Under-21 return". BBC Sport (BBC). 5 October 2011. Retrieved 5 October 2011.
  63. ↑ McDaid, David (16 November 2010). "Scotland 3–0 Faroe Islands". BBC Sport. Retrieved 11 February 2011.
  64. ↑ Brazil v Scotland: live The Telegraph, 27 March 2011
  65. ↑ "Danny Wilson Stats". Soccerway. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  66. ↑ "Danny Wilson Stats". Soccerbase. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  67. ↑ "Danny Wilson: I would love to have a career just like my role model Paolo Maldini". Daily Record. 29 November 2009. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  68. ↑ "Hearts starlet Gordon Smith: Repeat of Hibs strike against Rangers will upset best pal Wilson". Daily Record. 21 January 2010. Retrieved 5 June 2013.

External links