Tony Watt insists he does not bear any grudges against Ian Cathro despite being axed by the Hearts boss.

Cathro's predecessor Robbie Neilson signed the Charlton frontman on a year-long loan at the start of the campaign.

But the former Celtic youngster failed to fulfil the promise he showed during his Parkhead days and was sent back to the Valley six months early by Cathro last month.

However, Watt says the decision was mutual and spoke warmly about the Tynecastle boss, even wishing him well for Sunday's William Hill Scottish Cup duel with Hibernian.

Watt, speaking at a William Hill media event, said: "Ian was brilliant with me. His ideas, his personality and him as a person were all brand new.

"I never played under him but I've only got good things to say about him. I don't have a bad word.

"I wanted to leave and they probably wanted me to leave as well.

"I wasn't that it didn't work out at Hearts, it was just best that I left and went back down south to get myself right and my injury right.

"Three or four months up here was enough for me, while Hearts wanted to bring their own players in.

"We sat down and talked it through. There was no bad feelings. We sat down as men and spoke about it. The manager was good about it.

"I needed to play games now. I played a few when I was up here but I was coming back from an injury. Now I need to go back to Charlton and get back to where I was.

"There was no hard feelings with me and Robbie either. I was playing in the team up until Robbie's second last game. I only missed three games under him.

"I didn't start for Cathro but that happens.

"Ian's done well in the last few games and his record has not been bad at all. I hope he gets a win this week for his sake."

Watt made 17 appearances in total for the Jambos, but found the net just once.

However, he admits he would have loved to have sampled the unique atmosphere that will be on show at Tynecastle this weekend.

"I would have liked to have played in an Edinburgh derby but that chapter is done now," said the 23-year-old. "It would have been some experience but unfortunately it wasn't for me.

"I wouldn't say I regret not playing in a derby but I'd have loved to have seen what it was about because I've tasted these types of games in a number of different places.

"It would have been nice but it's done now."