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Lewis Neilson
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Lewis Neilson (born 15 May 2003) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays for for Scottish Premiership club Falkirk, on loan from fellow Scottish Premiership club Heart of Midlothian F.C. primarily as a centre back or defensive midfielder.
Key Information
Neilson has previously played for Dundee United, as well as on loan for Falkirk, Partick Thistle and St Johnstone.
Club career
[edit]Dundee United
[edit]Neilson joined Dundee United at the age of 10 and signed his first professional contract with the club in the summer of 2019, before extending the contract until 2022 the following March.[2] After graduating from the club's academy,[2] he made his professional debut in a 1–1 draw against St Johnstone on the opening day of the 2020–21 Scottish Premiership season.[3] Neilson was loaned to Falkirk in March 2021.[4]
Following his return from loan, Neilson sustained an ankle injury, for which he required surgery. He did not appear in the United first team again until December 2021 when he started against Hibernian.[5] Neilson departed United in June 2022 after turning down a new contract offer.[6]
Hearts
[edit]After leaving Dundee United, Neilson signed a three-year contract with Hearts.[7][8] In his first season with Hearts, he made 16 first-team appearances. But he did not feature in the final months and spent time involved with the club's B team.[9]
Partick Thistle (loan)
[edit]On 3 August 2023, Neilson joined Scottish Premiership club Partick Thistle on a season-long loan.[10]
Neilson scored the first goal of his professional career on 2 January 2024, scoring the winner for Thistle with a header from a corner, in a 3–2 home win over Queens Park.[11]
Neilson played the first half of the season as a centre back for Thistle, before moving into a defensive midfielder role for the second half of the campaign.[12]
St Johnstone (loan)
[edit]On 30 July 2024, Neilson joined Scottish Championship club St Johnstone on loan for the 2024–25 season.[13] Neilson was recalled early from his loan at St Johnstone, by his parent club Hearts on 1 January 2025.[14]
International career
[edit]Neilson has represented Scotland at under-16 and under-17 level.[15]
In September 2022, Neilson was called up to the Scotland under-21 for friendlies against Northern Ireland under-21.[16]
Career statistics
[edit]- As of 31 March 2025
| Club | Season | League | National Cup | League Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Dundee United | 2020–21[17] | Scottish Premiership | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| 2021–22[18] | Scottish Premiership | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 0 | |
| Total | 15 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 0 | ||
| Dundee United U21 | 2021–22[18] | — | — | 1[a] | 0 | 1 | 0 | |||||
| Falkirk (loan) | 2020–21[17] | Scottish League One | 8 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 0 |
| Heart of Midlothian | 2022–23[19] | Scottish Premiership | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 0 |
| 2023–24[20] | Scottish Premiership | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2024–25[21] | Scottish Premiership | 5 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | |
| Total | 15 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 23 | 0 | ||
| Partick Thistle (loan) | 2023–24 | Scottish Championship | 18 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 1 |
| Career total | 57 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 72 | 0 | ||
- ^ Appearances in the Scottish Challenge Cup, in which age-restricted teams from the Scottish Premiership clubs compete against senior clubs
References
[edit]- ^ "Lewis Neilson". dundeeunitedfc.co.uk. Dundee United F.C. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ a b "LEWIS NEILSON SIGNS A NEW CONTRACT". Dundee United F.C. 10 March 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^ "Dundee Utd 1-1 St Johnstone: Liam Craig earns a point for 10-man visitors". BBC Sport. 1 August 2020.
- ^ Woodger, Calum (12 March 2021). "Dundee United youngsters Kai Fotheringham and Lewis Neilson join Falkirk on loan until the end of the season". Retrieved 15 March 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson targets 'big year' in 2022 after making first Dundee United start in five months". 30 December 2021.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson to Leave Dundee United".
- ^ "Hearts sign Australia defender Kye Rowles & Lewis Neilson from Dundee Utd". BBC Sport. 9 June 2022. Retrieved 9 June 2022.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson seals Hearts transfer as Dundee United defender pens 3-year deal". 9 June 2022.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson's future is made clear as the Hearts defender looks to further his career | Edinburgh News". 29 May 2023. Archived from the original on 29 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson signs on loan for the season". Partick Thistle FC. Retrieved 4 August 2023.
- ^ "Partick Thistle 3-2 Queen's Park: Visitors remain three points adrift". BBC Sport. 2 January 2024.
- ^ "Premiership club make their move for versatile Hearts defender Lewis Neilson". 25 July 2024. Archived from the original on 25 July 2024. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson signs for Saints". St Johnstone Football Club. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson returns to Hearts". www.heartsfc.co.uk. Retrieved 17 May 2025.
- ^ "Lewis Neilson Scotland Scottish FA". scottishfa.co.uk. Retrieved 26 August 2020.
- ^ "Scot Gemmill names squad for Northern Ireland double header".
- ^ a b "Games played by Lewis Neilson in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
- ^ a b "Games played by Lewis Neilson in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 11 July 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Lewis Neilson in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Lewis Neilson in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Lewis Neilson in 2024/2025". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
External links
[edit]- Lewis Neilson at Soccerbase
- Lewis Neilson at Soccerway
Lewis Neilson
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Club career
Dundee United
Born on 15 May 2003 in Dundee, Scotland, Lewis Neilson joined Dundee United's youth academy at the age of 10 in 2013, having previously played for local clubs such as Riverside BC and Monifieth Athletic.[8][9] As a promising centre-back, he progressed through the ranks and signed his first professional contract with the club on 10 May 2019, at the age of 15.[9] He extended this deal in March 2020, committing until summer 2022.[10] Neilson made his senior debut for Dundee United on 1 August 2020, appearing as a substitute in a 1–1 Scottish Premiership draw against St Johnstone at Tannadice Park.[11][12] Over the next two seasons, he featured in 19 first-team matches across all competitions, primarily as a defender, without scoring any goals.[8][13] His appearances included 15 in the Scottish Premiership (9 in 2020–21 and 6 in 2021–22) and 4 in domestic cups, showcasing his versatility and potential despite limited starts.[14][15] In March 2021, amid a push for more playing time, Neilson was loaned to Scottish League One side Falkirk for the remainder of the 2020–21 season, where he made 8 appearances to gain valuable senior experience in a lower division.[16][3] He returned to Dundee United in summer 2021 and continued to feature sporadically in the first team during the 2021–22 campaign. Following the expiration of his contract in June 2022, Neilson rejected an offer to extend his stay at his boyhood club and departed Tannadice as a free agent.[13][17] He subsequently signed a three-year deal with Heart of Midlothian.[11]Heart of Midlothian
Neilson signed a three-year contract with Heart of Midlothian on 9 June 2022 as a free transfer following the expiry of his Dundee United deal.[18] The 19-year-old centre-back made his competitive debut for the club on 21 August 2022 in a 2–1 Scottish Premiership win over St Mirren, marking his integration into the first team at Tynecastle Park.[2] During the 2022–23 season, he featured in league and cup matches, adapting to the physical and tactical demands of top-flight football while competing for defensive positions alongside established players.[19] To further develop his experience away from the Hearts squad, Neilson undertook loan spells at Partick Thistle in 2023–24, St Johnstone in the first half of 2024–25, and Falkirk from July 2025. In July 2024, prior to his St Johnstone move, he extended his Hearts contract by one year until summer 2026.[20] He was recalled from St Johnstone on 1 January 2025 amid injuries to key centre-backs Frankie Kent and Stephen Kingsley, providing defensive cover in the second half of the 2024–25 campaign.[21] Following the recall, Neilson started in notable fixtures, including a 3–2 home victory over Kilmarnock on 25 January 2025, where he contributed to a resilient backline performance.[22] Across all competitions, Neilson has recorded 23 appearances for Heart of Midlothian up to the ongoing 2025–26 season, predominantly as a centre-back.[23] As of June 2025, his estimated market value stands at €700k, with his current contract set to expire on 31 May 2026.[1]Partick Thistle (loan)
On 3 August 2023, Lewis Neilson joined Partick Thistle on a season-long loan from Heart of Midlothian, aimed at providing the young centre-back with regular first-team experience in the Scottish Championship.[7] The move allowed Neilson to build on his prior youth development at Dundee United, where he had gained initial senior exposure, transitioning into a more consistent starting role at Firhill.[24] During the 2023–24 season, Neilson established himself as a key figure in Partick Thistle's defensive setup, primarily operating as a centre-back alongside experienced partners like Brian Welsh. He made 43 appearances across all competitions, including 36 in the Scottish Championship, 3 in the Scottish Cup, and 4 in the Premiership play-offs, contributing 1 goal and 3 assists while helping the team secure third place in the league and a play-off spot.[25] His physical presence and aerial ability strengthened Thistle's backline, which conceded 41 goals in the Championship—the second-lowest tally among the promoted-chasing sides—allowing the team to push for promotion until the play-off semi-finals.[26] Neilson later reflected that the loan was pivotal for his development, describing it as "paying off" through increased match fitness and tactical understanding.[26] Neilson's standout moment came on 2 January 2024, when he scored his first professional goal in a 3–2 home victory over Queen's Park. Entering as a substitute in the 78th minute, he headed in a corner from Jack McMillan in the 85th minute to secure the winning goal, a crucial result that bolstered Thistle's top-half position amid a tight mid-table battle.[27] Neilson returned to Heart of Midlothian upon the conclusion of the 2023–24 season, having excelled in his loan spell and gained valuable Championship-level exposure.[28]St Johnstone (loan)
On 30 July 2024, Neilson joined St Johnstone on a season-long loan from Heart of Midlothian for the 2024–25 Scottish Premiership campaign, having first extended his contract with his parent club until summer 2026.[20][29] During his half-season stint, Neilson made 17 appearances across all competitions, accumulating 1,276 minutes primarily as a centre-back or right-back, with no goals or assists recorded.[30] He adapted effectively to the demands of Premiership football, earning an average rating of 6.63 from his outings and demonstrating composure on the ball while building on his experience from a prior loan at Partick Thistle.[5] Neilson's defensive contributions were notable for his physical presence and versatility in a backline that faced consistent pressure, as he helped provide stability during matches where St Johnstone often struggled to maintain clean sheets amid their position near the bottom of the table.[31] His quick adaptation and reliable performances offered a boost to the team's rearguard, despite the club's broader challenges in the league.[32] Neilson was recalled by Heart of Midlothian on 1 January 2025 to address squad needs following injuries to key defenders.[21][33]Falkirk (loan)
In the summer of 2025, Lewis Neilson joined Falkirk on a season-long loan from Heart of Midlothian ahead of the 2025–26 Scottish Premiership season.[3] This move marked his return to the club, having previously experienced an initial exposure during a brief loan from Dundee United in 2021.[34] As a centre-back, Neilson quickly integrated into the starting lineup, making 12 appearances by 18 October 2025, often partnering with experienced defender Liam Henderson in the backline.[35][36] Neilson's early contributions helped solidify Falkirk's defense during the opening fixtures, where his composure and aerial presence contributed to a series of competitive performances against top-flight opposition.[35] He expressed enjoyment in the team environment, highlighting the supportive role of teammates like Henderson, whom he described as a "leader" that aided his adaptation to the demands of Premiership football.[35] Manager John McGlynn praised Neilson's potential to elevate the squad, noting his technical ability and work rate as key assets in building defensive stability.[3] However, Neilson's progress was halted by an ankle injury sustained during Falkirk's 2–1 victory over Motherwell on 18 October 2025.[4] The injury, described as major by McGlynn, is expected to sideline him until at least Christmas 2025.[4] As of November 2025, Neilson remains out but is anticipated to return mid-season, providing a boost to Falkirk's defensive options once recovered.[37]International career
Youth international career
Neilson earned his first international call-up to the Scotland under-16 squad in 2018, during his early development in Dundee United's youth academy.[38] He went on to make two appearances for the U16 team across the 2018–2019 period, debuting in a 1–0 defeat to England on 20 August 2018.[39] His second cap came in a 3–2 victory over Australia on 24 January 2019.[39][40] In these matches, Neilson primarily featured in a defensive role, establishing himself as an emerging centre-back with strong potential in the youth setup.[2] His performances at this level highlighted his physical attributes and tactical awareness, key traits for a young defender progressing through Scotland's youth ranks.[1] Neilson advanced to the under-17 squad in 2020, receiving his initial call-up while still part of Dundee United's youth system.[38] He made one appearance for Scotland U17 on 10 February 2020, contributing to a 2–1 friendly win against Sweden.[41][42] This brief but impactful stint further solidified his reputation as a promising defender ready for higher youth levels.[43]Scotland U21
Neilson earned his first call-up to the Scotland under-21 national team in September 2022, following his earlier experiences with the under-16 and under-17 squads.[6] He made his debut on 22 September 2022 in a friendly match against Northern Ireland under-21s, starting in the 3–1 victory at Inverpark, Ballymena.[6] This appearance marked the beginning of his integration into the senior youth setup, where he has since become a versatile defender capable of playing across the backline. Over the subsequent years, Neilson accumulated 12 caps for the Scotland U21 team, demonstrating consistent selection under multiple managers.[6] Key fixtures include UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, such as the 2023 matches against Belgium and Hungary, where he contributed to solid defensive performances that helped secure points in the campaign. His reliability earned him regular starts, with appearances spanning friendlies and competitive games through to early 2025. Neilson's sole goal for the U21s came on 10 September 2024 during a UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier against Malta, where he scored the fifth goal in a commanding 5–0 away win at the Centenary Stadium, Ta' Qali, finishing from close range to seal the result.[44] This strike highlighted his growing attacking threat from set pieces and transitions. As of November 2025, he remains a regular squad member, having been included in the 2025–26 season roster for ongoing qualifiers and fixtures.[45]Career statistics
Club statistics
Lewis Neilson primarily plays as a centre-back, with occasional appearances in midfield during his club career across Scottish football competitions. His statistics encompass appearances in the Scottish Premiership, Championship, League One, League Cup, and Scottish Cup, reflecting his progression from youth to senior levels through first-team outings and loans. As of November 2025, he has recorded 126 appearances and 1 goal in total across all clubs and competitions.[14][46] The table below details his appearances and goals by club and season, with breakdowns primarily in league play supplemented by cup competitions. Note: Falkirk 2020–21 loan was in League One.| Club | Season | League Apps (Goals) | Cup Apps (Goals) | Total Apps (Goals) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dundee United | 2020–2022 | 15 (0) | 4 (0) | 19 (0) |
| Falkirk (loan) | 2020–2021 | 6 (0) | 2 (0) | 8 (0) |
| Heart of Midlothian | 2022–2025 | 15 (0) | 8 (0) | 23 (0) |
| Partick Thistle (loan) | 2023–2024 | 36 (1) | 7 (0) | 43 (1) |
| St Johnstone (loan) | 2024–2025 | 17 (0) | 4 (0) | 21 (0) |
| Falkirk (loan) | 2025–2026 | 7 (0) | 5 (0) | 12 (0) |
| Career Total | 96 (1) | 30 (0) | 126 (1) |
International statistics
Neilson has earned 11 caps across Scotland's youth international teams as of November 2025, with all appearances at the U16, U17, and U21 levels and no senior international caps. His sole international goal came at U21 level.[6][47] The following table summarizes his caps by youth level:| Youth Level | Appearances | Goals | Years Active |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland U16 | 2 | 0 | 2018–2019 |
| Scotland U17 | 1 | 0 | 2020 |
| Scotland U21 | 8 | 1 | 2022–present |
| Total | 11 | 1 | - |