John Hartson watched wonderkid Ben Woodburn explode onto the international scene - only to then fizzle out just as quick.
But the Wales legend reckons Robbie Neilson is just the man to help the Liverpool ace rediscover his spark.
Woodburn - who is set to join Hearts on loan - seemed destined for the top after breaking through the ranks at Anfield as a teenage talent.
Hartson was convinced Jurgen Klopp had the next Raheem Sterling on his hands after seeing the jet-heeled forward become the Reds’ youngest ever scorer when he netted against Leeds back in November 2017 - beating a record Michael Owen had held for two decades.
He followed that up 10 months later by nabbing a vital goal on his Wales debut as he handed Chris Coleman’s line-up victory in a World Cup qualifier.
However, it has now been two years since Woodburn - now 21 - added to the last of his 10 caps, with the frontman left at home while the Dragons roared to the last 16 of this summer’s Euros.
Having also been unable to hold down a place in Klopp’s star-studded squad on a consistent basis, Woodburn has spent the last three years on loan at Sheffield United, Oxford and Blackpool.
Now he is heading for Tynecastle after being lined-up for another six-month stint - which could be extended if he impresses the Gorgie faithful.
But Hartson is convinced Hearts will not be left disappointed.
The former Wales and Celtic hero told RecordSport: “I watched Ben make his debut for the national team. He burst onto the scene at a very young age.
“He was playing at Liverpool and Chris Coleman gave him his chance for Wales.
“He scored a really big goal against Austria on his debut when he was just 17.
“At that point everyone could see he was a fantastic young talent.
“But he’s stalled a wee bit recently.
“He went back to Liverpool and never really kicked on as well as he’d have wanted.
“He hasn’t featured for Wales over the last couple of years either but he’s a very good player. He’s versatile and can play as a centre forward, out wide or as a number 10.
“He has electric pace, he’s got a really good football brain and of course he’s been at Liverpool from an early age, so he’s been training with world-class, international players.
“I’m not sure how he’s progressed over the last year or two but he’s still very, very young and if Hearts were to get him I think they’ll be getting a very exciting prospect.
“It’d be a massive coup if Hearts could get him. Massive.
“They’ve started well beating Celtic and adding Ben would be another boost for Robbie Neilson.
“To get him up here on loan will definitely enhance the talent in that Hearts group. If Robbie can pull this one off he deserves credit.”
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard certainly saw something in Woodburn, having named him skipper of his under-18s while working at Liverpool’s academy.
Hartson, like many, assumed it would only be a matter of time before he was following Gerrard’s route into the first-team after seeing the legendary Anfield skipper vouch for his captaincy credentials.
But Woodburn ended up being left behind as Klopp’s men mounted their bold push for Champions League and Premier League glory.
“I imagine Steven, like me, expected him to really kick on,” said Hartson.
“Steven had him at under-18s level and made him his captain, and it wasn’t long before he made his first-team debut.
“We all expected him to really push through and become a regular in the first team at that stage.
“But he’s not quite managed to do that.
“He’s still a fantastic player though and Hearts will be getting a lad with a fantastic attitude.
“He’s not playing regularly for Liverpool right now - that’s so tough with the quality Jurgen Klopp has available.
“You have to be a special player to break into these big sides. We’ve seen Raheem Sterling do it before and Phil Foden is doing it for Man City right now but these are special talents.
“People thought Ben might be in that bracket but while the likes of Sterling and Foden pushed on, Woodburn hasn’t quite managed it.
“Right now he needs to try to get back up to that level again.
“I don’t know if this is his last chance to prove he can make it at Liverpool but I am a fan of young players going out to get experience.
“When I was at West Ham, Frank Lampard went out to Swansea, Rio Ferdinand went to Bournemouth and that really helped their careers.
“There’s no reason why this move to Hearts can’t do the same for Ben.”
