Hearts' head coach Derek McInnes sought to clarify his comments on James Wilson's loan departure to Tottenham Hotspur, insisting there has been "no falling out" between the pair.
The 18-year-old joined the EPL giants on deadline day in a loan move that could become a permanent deal in the summer.
He will initially link up with Spurs' development squad, with McInnes commenting: "I don't think it's the right move for him. Ultimately, it's academy football and I think he's better than that."
Adding to his earlier remarks, the Hearts head coach said: "There's no falling out. I'm disappointed he took up the option but I really hope it goes well for him. I thought the best option, as I said to him and his agent, would be to stay here.
"He sees it as an opportunity. I had a chat with him a couple weeks ago on the back of Lawrence [Shankland]'s injury. There was a space there, that he had to try and get in for, and we had a chat about him not wanting to go out on loan.
"He came on against Celtic and was a step closer to playing with Lawrence's injury. But the interest from down south seemed to change their point of view."
McInnes was also asked about midfielder Beni Baningime, who seemed to confirm last week that he is in talks with the club about a new contract.
Baningime's contract ends in the summer and he has been a vital part of Hearts' title challenge.
"The talks are between [sporting director] Graeme Jones and Beni's agent," McInnes said.
"Beni knows how I feel about him. He's a player who has over his period of time at Hearts been good and in my time at Hearts, I'm really enjoying working with him. He's got a big part to play.
"I saw his comments the other night and there is conversations that have been had between the club and Beni's representative."
