Robbie Neilson has said that Hearts right-back Callum Paterson is good enough to play in the English leagues.
The 20-year-old broke into the first team as a striker in 2013, but has impressed the manager since converting to right-back last season.
"He's great going forward, but he is concentrating on being a good defender and a leader now.He's not a kid anymore and is acting like a seasoned professional," Neilson told The Scotsman.
"You can see from his performances already this season that he's definitely improving. He's one of the players who could go down to England today and play, because he has physicality, pace and the footballing ability to go with it.
"His mentality is coming on as well. This season, he has been one of the best players we've had. I'm desperate to keep a hold of him, but it will be interesting. Whether it be this window or next, he is definitely a player that, within a year or two, will be playing in England."
Hearts have won all three of their matches in the Scottish Premiership this season and continue their campaign against Ross County today.
