Lewis Neilson Reveals the Childhood Neighbour Who Inspired His Football Journey
Hearts defender Lewis Neilson didn’t have to look far for inspiration on his path to professional football—just next door, in fact.
The centre-back has revealed that his early motivation came from none other than current Sheffield Wednesday midfielder Stuart Armstrong, who lived beside him growing up in Dundee. As a youngster, Neilson watched Armstrong break into the Dundee United first team, an experience that helped shape his own ambitions in the game.
Now preparing to face his former club Dundee United on Sunday, Neilson is aiming to cement his place in the Hearts lineup under new boss Neil Critchley. After spells out on loan with Partick Thistle and St Johnstone, the 20-year-old is keen to make his mark at Tynecastle.
Armstrong a Key Influence
Reflecting on his early years, Neilson said:
“I grew up next door to Stuart Armstrong, just as he was starting to break into the United first team. That’s what got me interested in the club. I went to his reserve matches and then started going to first-team games. It was amazing seeing someone you know so well making it as one of the top players at United. That really inspired me to follow the same path.”
Neilson spent nearly a decade at Dundee United, joining the club at the age of 10 and remaining there until he moved to Hearts at 19.
“Our families were really close, and I’m good friends with Stuart’s younger brother—we’re the same age. We’re not neighbours anymore, but we were for about ten years. I haven’t seen Stuart much recently, but he’s done incredibly well for himself. He’s definitely someone I look up to and hope to emulate in my own career.”
No Regrets Over Hearts Switch
Despite limited game time at Dundee United, Neilson has no regrets about making the move to Edinburgh.
“I had to put myself first,” he explained. “At United, I wasn’t getting the minutes I wanted. Robbie Neilson, who brought me into the first team there, really believed in me and wanted me at Hearts. So it was a straightforward decision. I just wanted to play football, and Hearts gave me that chance.”
Loan spells have helped Neilson develop further, and he’s confident he’s progressing the right way.
“I feel like I’ve grown a lot and shown what I can do recently. I rarely regret decisions—if it felt right at the time, that’s all that matters. Hopefully I can keep building on my performances and secure a regular place in the team.”
