SNN Sports predict the World Cup

Following Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad announcement, the SNN Sports journalists lodged their predictions for Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years. Winners Declan: Spain- I’ve swayed between Spain, France and even Argentina. I’m going Spain at the last minute as there’s something about the France squad I’m unsure about and I don’t think an ageing Argentina squad can go back-to-back. Spain have also been absolutely terrific since the Euros and I think they’ll continue that form and win their second World Cup. Mack: Spain- There’s not as many superstars as squads of their past, which can sometimes equate to less egos. They done fantastic at the Euros two years ago. I fully expect them to carry that form into this summer. Fayez: France- I think their strength in depth is simply too strong for everyone else. Liam: Spain- I feel they have so much quality in which they’ll be very strong and win the entire competition. Players like Yamal will be key to their success in winning the World Cup. Top goalscorer  Declan: Erling Haaland- Not only do I think he’s the best striker in the world, I think he’s already one of the best strikers ever. Norway were brilliant during qualifying and scored a lot of goals. I’ve got them to get to the semi-final meaning they’ll be there to the end. I can see Haaland bagging a lot of goals on the way there. Mack: Harry Kane- A bit of a cop out to predict world’s best striker to be the best goalscorer. But even by his own standards he’s scoring at an outrageous rate, and will be leading the line for one of the tournament’s favourites. Fayez: Harry Kane- He’s had an incredible season with Bayern Munich and will rack up a number of goals, especially if England can get some favourable ties. Liam: Kylian Mbappe-  Despite not winning the World Cup, I think Mbappe will be top goalscorer as he’s done for many years with both PSG and Real Madrid. Dark horses Declan: Ecuador- I don’t want to call Haaland that good and then call his team the dark horses. Ecuador have went under the radar for their qualifying campaign, they look a really hard team to beat thanks to a brilliant defence. Mack: Norway- They’ve got such a strong squad and that’s before you even get to Erling Haaland. They never lost a game in qualifying and will go into their first World Cup in 28 years with a loads of momentum. Fayez: Norway or Japan- Norway were brilliant in qualifying and have a number of quality players, I think they could seriously go on a deep run. As for Japan, they’ve really flown under the radar with a solid squad and have shown great form in their friendly wins over Brazil, England and of course, Scotland. I think they can definitely give the big teams a shock this tournament. Liam: Japan- As we’ve seen in recent months, they look a very good squad as we of course saw at Hampden as well as against England and I just feel they may cause a few shocks along the way. Flops Declan: Germany- Granted they’ve not made it out of the groups in the last two World Cups, but that shouldn’t be normal for a country with four World Cups and one of the best footballing histories. Whilst I think they’ll make it out of the group this time round, I’ve got them to finish behind Ecuador and go home shortly after. Mack: France- I just think everything that’s went on with Mbappe at Real Madrid could potentially carry on into the France setup. they are a side that should go far, but I think a lack of cohesion amongst the players will make room for an early exit. Fayez: Belgium-  They’ve always been perennial underachievers. The golden generation never lived up to the hype with many of those players in their prime, I don’t think the squad is strong enough to have the tournament you’d expect from a team like them. I don’t think they’ll have a shock exit like in 2022, but I can’t see them going far in the knockout stage. Liam: Belgium- A team that seems to be declining in quality and a team who I don’t think will do as good as they did in the past. Although they still have KDB and Doku, I still don’t believe they have enough quality to go far in this tournament. How far will Scotland go? Declan: Group stages- The squad doesn’t fill me with confidence, the last international break doesn’t fill me with confidence and our group doesn’t do that either. I don’t think we can beat Haiti by enough goals (beating them isn’t even a guarantee) and I just don’t know where that elusive fourth point will come from. Mack: Group stages- I’m forever a pessimist, I don’t see Scotland performing particularly well. We need to beat Haiti by a lot of goals and I simply don’t think we have the style of play to do that. Fayez: Round of 32- I believe that Scotland will get out of the group stages for the first time. Being one of the best 3rd place teams is most likely. You have to expect the boys will get the jobs done against Haiti (although I think it’ll be a tough watch) and can be competitive in the games against Morocco and Brazil. Depending on how the other teams place we could be in for a difficult first knockout tied I think that’ll be the end for us. Getting into the knockout stages will be the aim for the team and if they do that, I think it’ll be considered a successful tournament. Liam: Knockout stages- I think Scotland will finish 3rd in the group and hopefully continue to progress.

Predicting the 26-man Scotland World Cup squad

Steve Clarke will name his final 26-man squad tomorrow ahead of Scotland’s first World Cup since 1998. Historically Clarke has been loyal to his core of players, especially those who have qualified for three of the last four major tournaments after Scotland went over 20 years without making one prior to his arrival. Here’s the men I think will be on the plane to the USA this summer, with some explanation as to why. Goalkeepers: Angus Gunn, Liam Kelly, Scott Bain- Thankfully Bain’s injury doesn’t seem too serious, despite missing the end of the season he should be back for the World Cup. He’s certainly earned his seat on the plane after 39 appearances for Falkirk who secured sixth place on their return to the Premiership. As for the other two, they have a combined four appearances all season. If he hadn’t been injured there would have been a case for Craig Gordon, not only for his hand in Scotland qualifying against Denmark, but also as a reward for his excellent playing career. Centrebacks: Scott McKenna, John Souttar, Jack Hendry, Dominic Hyam, Stephen Welsh- Whilst David Gray said it was “too early to tell” the extent of Grant Hanley’s injury, it didn’t look pretty so you’d imagine he’d be ruled out of the World Cup too. Hyam made 47 appearances this season as Wrexham pushed for the play-offs. As for Welsh, he’s coming off the best season of his career at Motherwell and probably warrants a call-up regardless of injuries. Ryan Porteous could be an additional option. The ex-Hibs defender has only played one minute for the national team since his sending off in the EURO 2024 opener, but has enjoyed a promising start to the season at LAFC, even getting the Man of the Match award in a 3-0 win against Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami. Fullbacks: Andy Robertson, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston, Aaron Hickey, Harry Milne- Hickey missed out on the last squad but replaces Nathan Patterson for me. Despite impressing in the Japan match, Patterson just hasn’t played enough minutes this season, whilst Hickey offers more versatility and has featured more. As for Milne, he’s been exceptional for Hearts this season and has shown he can play on either flank. Midfielders: Billy Gilmour, Scott McTominay, Lewis Ferguson, John McGinn, Lennon Miller, Ryan Christie, Kenny McLean–No surprises here. Forwards: Lyndon Dykes, Che Adams, Findlay Curtis, Ben Gannon-Doak, Kieron Bowie, Lawrence Shankland- A lot has been made of Clarke’s loyalty to his players- so Adams and Dykes are no-brainers, especially with the latter missing EURO 2024. In my opinion, Shankland should be the leading #9 this summer. His consistency over the years can’t be matched by any other forward and he’s fresh off the back of a 20-goal campaign where Hearts nearly won the title. Findlay Curtis has done well for Kilmarnock this season and one of Scotland’s most promising players Gannon-Doak is returning from injury just in time for the World Cup. Personally, I’d take Bowie over George Hirst, who hasn’t impressed in a Scotland shirt for me. The Hellas Verona forward has scored four times since his move to Italy, which doesn’t jump out until you look further. Since his debut, Verona have only scored seven goals, with over half coming from Bowie. He’s also only played 13 games, so he’s averaging a goal in just under every three games, which isn’t bad going for a side that was destined for relegation since his arrival. Additionally, he netted nine times for Hibs prior to his January departure, so all-in-all it’s a respectable season in-front of goal for the forward. He’s also got experience playing out wide, which isn’t an area Scotland are blessed in, whilst he’s unlikely to operate on the wing at the World Cup, it’s an option that could be looked at if times get desperate. In an interview earlier this month Steve Clarke said that his squad was more or less finalised, with only two spots left up for grabs. However, injuries to players such as Hanley and Tommy Conway may have shaken up the Scotland Boss’ thinking ahead of tomorrow’s 12pm announcement.

A tribute to the best Hibs player I’ve ever seen

When he arrived in place of Alex Harris, many thought Hibernian had drawn the short straw with Martin Boyle. Whilst that’s certainly been proven wrong, no one would have imagined just how well things would go. Whilst you could argue that he still has a lot to offer; it’s definitely the right time for him to leave come the end of the season. But that doesn’t mean that he won’t be a big loss for Hibs come next season. Even his ex-teammate Ryan Portoeus agrees. He said: “Boyley will be a massive miss – massive. He’s been so good for the club for 11 years, and his numbers are brilliant. “He’s developed into someone relentless in big games, scoring goals, lifting trophies, getting the club promoted, then helping them stabilise, finish third and set points records – he’s pretty much done it all. “His character in the dressing room is huge as well, and that’s a big hole to fill.” A slow start to life at Hibs for Boyle eventually transformed into him becoming a legend who will be remembered for generations. Prior to Neil Lennon’s arrival and his move to the wing, he was in-and-out of the team. Despite being the last remaining player from the Scottish Cup winning squad, he didn’t play in the final. But his memories of the celebrations are so relatable for the fans and is therefore another reason why he’s so loved in Leith “It was a memorable time, and I think we milked it a wee bit. There were a few parties that went on for days! Fans were taking days off work. It was carnage. I knew it was huge for the club; it was always spoken about. But to actually do it and see the thousands that turned up on the Sunday was crazy.” However, his on-pitch contributions increased year-on-year and after Hibs return to the topflight. It seemed like every season was his best one yet. In the 2020/21 season he netted 15 goals and managed 12 assists, in what should be reflected on as a great season for Hibs as they finished 3rd for the first time in 16 years. But the cloud of what could’ve been still hangs over, with the chance to be a two-time Scottish Cup winner squandered. The following season, he departed for Saudi Arabia before it was cool to do so. But before that, he dragged an extremely poor Hibs side kicking and screaming up the table and wrote himself into Hibs folklore with a first-half hattrick against Rangers at Hampden into the League Cup semi-final. For many Hibs fans, it’s the best match since their previous Hampden meeting with Rangers. It’s no wonder that Hibs went onto have a terrible season after his departure. So much so that six months later, they replaced Martin Boyle with… Martin Boyle. His second debut was the perfect display of why he’s such a big game player with his 95th minute Edinburgh derby equaliser. You could tell something big was going to happen just by the roar of the crowd when he was called back from his warm-up. These are only a few examples of how Boyle has turned up when it mattered most. Four goals in the Edinburgh derby, eight against Rangers, and he is Hibs top European goalscorer. Hibs seriously struggle to replace a player who has performed so consistently in the big games. Especially with their poor record in big fixtures. Much like the whole team, 2024/25 was his best season. Enough has been made of Hibs’ awful start. Having been bottom of the table after 14 matches, it was a miracle that David Gray kept his job. But the turnaround was nothing short of remarkable and a great display of character. 20 goals and 11 assists followed as Hibs went 17 unbeaten to claim third spot despite a worrying look of relegation. This season was also the first time that the much-liked joker wore the armband for his club. This was something that even shocked David Gray but is a testament to how far he had come at Hibs, not even just as a player, but as a man. Gray said: “When I think back to when I was captain, when I was playing and the babysitting I had to do with Martin Boyle, I didn’t think for one minute that he would be club captain at any point. So, I think that’s a massive credit to him, but also just because of how he’s matured. “He’s definitely frustrated me at times. But he’s definitely matured and he’s good for the group, he’s good for the young players that come through. “He’s been a real breath of fresh air in the dressing room. Even when you lose some games, he’s still the same type of person and I think that’s infectious within the group.” When David Gray announced in March that Boyle will leave at the expiration of his contract, it was a strange feeling. Like that of when Paul Hanlon or Lewis Stevenson left. It wasn’t surprising, it’s probably the right time. But it feels like Hibs are going to lose a big part of themselves when the time comes for him to pull on the green and white for the last time. Generations ago, there was The Famous Five and Pat Stanton. The generation before mine experienced Franck Sauzee. I’ll make sure to pass down my stories of Martin Boyle when the time is right, because even if I did get to watch players who have moved onto bigger and better, such as John McGinn. For all he’s achieved in green and white, Martin Boyle is currently going down as the best player I’ve ever seen at Hibs, and he’ll always be a legend.

James Forrest makes admission on Celtic future after Scottish Cup victory

James Forrest has revealed he wants to stay at Celtic despite contract expiration this summer. The 34-year-old is already Celtic’s most decorated player with 26 trophies but could extend his trophy haul to 28 come the end of May. The winger came off the bench to set up Celtic’s third goal in Sunday’s 6-2 win against St. Mirren and has revealed he’s told Celtic bosses that he doesn’t want to be anywhere else next summer. Forrest said: “I think at Celtic you’re always (playing for a new deal). I remember (Brendan) Rodgers telling me when you sign a new deal you’re always working hard to get the next one. Obviously I’m going to be 35 next summer, but I still feel as though I can contribute in and about the team. The main thing just now is helping the team win the league and obviously we’ve got a cup final to look forward to as well, so hopefully I can be a part of that. “I spoke to the club… I’ve been here for a long time and I don’t want to go anywhere else. So it’s not a big discussion.” Forrest was also asked about how valuable his and his teammates Hampden experience was to staving off a St. Mirren comeback. But the winger was full of praise for the whole squad’s mentality. He said: “Obviously you’ve been and done it. But I think the players, any new signings, any young boys coming through at Celtic quickly realise how big it is every game you play and especially in semi-finals, finals. You’re expected to win these games and it’s onto the next one. “The boys dug in to be fair. Obviously made a lot of subs. The team that started the game wasn’t the team that finished it and I think that’s happened a lot this season. The veteran also agreed that the prospect of Neil Lennon and Martin O’Neill facing off against each other in the Scottish Cup final is an interesting one. “It’s unbelievable, obviously I came through with Lenny as well. He obviously gave me my debut and I played reserves with him and I’ve got a lot of good memories with him. It’s obviously great for him to get into the final as well. “It’s a good one, hopefully by the end of the season we’ll have the league in the bag and a cup final to look forward to. It’ll obviously be a good day for the two of them as well.” With no official word on whether Forrest will remain at Celtic next season, the forward has six games remaining after 24 years at Celtic, where he could extend his trophy tally to a historic 28.

“We had to show it again today, and we showed it in abundance to get the job done!”- Anthony Ralston reflects on a dramatic Scottish Cup victory

Celtic right-back Anthony Ralston praised the character shown by the Celtic squad to fend off a St. Mirren comeback and reach a fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final. Celtic ran out 6-2 winners, but needed extra-time to see off Craig Mcleish’s side who came back from 2-0 down in stoppage time. Ralston scored his first Hampden goal in a Celtic shirt to put Martin O’Neill’s side 2-0 up just before half time. But Celtic needed to show a lot of resilience after dropping a two goal lead. “The mentality that we showed, that we’ve showed all throughout the years has gave us success. We had to show it again today and we showed it in abundance to get the job done.” He also mentioned that Celtic will be keen to win May’s cup final, having lost their last two cup finals. But focus now immediately shifts to the title race. “It’s in the back of our mind in terms of we’ve obviously got a title race to take care of in the next couple of weeks. Then we can have that at the end of the season and hopefully get more silverware.” Ralston also acknowledged that his place in the Scotland World Cup squad isn’t guaranteed, but a goal today as well as two more potential winners medals will certainly help his case for a call-up. “I don’t take anything for granted. It’s a crazy game. That’s why days like today, I need to keep taking my opportunities, I need to keep proving myself to hopefully get in that squad and that’s obviously my aim. As well as obviously being successful and winning trophies. I’ve got a lot that keeps me going and a lot that drives me everyday to be at my best. “Everybody’s a collective here. You know, we’re all hungry, we’ve all got the desire. We know it’s been a tough season. “I’ve got enough on my plate to try and win more. So I’m going to try and win more trophies at Celtic going into the end of the season and also trying to be successful internationally as well. So I’ve got a lot to keep me going.” He also admitted that prior to his goal, his first instinct wasn’t even to go for goal. “Initially, in my mind I was going to cross it. But then I thought I’ll just have a hit. Then it’s about having as clean a strike as possible across the goal and maybe not as close to the crossbar as I wanted. “I’ve not scored at Hampden for Celtic and I’ve said it all through the years. It was an incredible feeling.” Celtic will now face Dunfermline Athletic on the 23rd May in the final of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup. But they’ll first turn their attention to league action with five games remaining in this year’s title race. Celtic host Falkirk on Saturday.

Celtic 6-2 St. Mirren: Celtic extra time barrage sees off St. Mirren comeback

Celtic 6-2 St.Mirren (AET) Celtic overcame worries of a St. Mirren comeback with an extra-time punishment to exact Hampden revenge and reach the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup final. Maeda (1′) Ralston (45+3′) Iheanacho (96′, 100′) McCowan (98′) Nygren (102′)       Mandron (53′, 90+1′) Celtic wasted no time after kick-off as Daizen Maeda pounced on a poor kick from Ryan Mullen. A block from the forward trickled over the line to give Celtic at the lead in the opening minute. Martin O’Neill’s side continued to apply early pressure as Arne Engels attempt bounced off the post within the opening ten. It became an afternoon to forget for Ryan Mullen who filled in for the injured Shamal George. Mullen would pick up an injury of his own in the 15th minute meaning he was replaced by 17-year-old Grant Tamosevicius who made his senior debut. The teenager was called into action early on as his kick out was intercepted by Tounekti who played through Benjamin Nygren, but the effort was straight into the hands of the keeper. Moments later, he would deny Maeda a brace with a great stop from inside the area. St. Mirren’s first shot of the afternoon came from Mikael Mandron just before the half hour mark, but his effort from outside the area was blocked. Liam Donnelly would then force Viljami Sinisalo into a fantastic save from the corner. St. Mirren would then start to grow into the game and nearly recreated Celtic’s goal when Killian Phillips’ block of Sinisalo’s kick out caused a scare. Luckily for Celtic, if the ball had crossed the line, it was ruled that it came off Phillips’ arm. Moments later, Arne Engels entered the book for a challenge on Jacob Devaney. Celtic’s first effort since Engels struck the post would strike the bar as Tamosevicius could only watch on as Yang headed goal-wards from a Kieran Tierney cross. The drama of goalkeeper kick outs continued as Sinisalo’s short pass was intercepted by Mandron inside the box. Mandron laid the ball off to Phillips whose close range effort was wide off the post. Anthony Ralston put Celtic two goals to the good with the last kick of the half as Yang’s back heel was left perfectly for the fullback whose shot came off the underside of the bar. Mandron then pulled one back for St. Mirren shortly after halftime as he headed in from a Declan John cross. Celtic looked to respond fast through Yang, but his goal bound effort was blocked by Jonah Ayunga for a corner. Celtic would then recycle play as Tamosevicius collected the ball in a congested penalty area. Allan Campbell entered the book moments after for a challenge on Ralston. A triple-substitution 15 minutes from time would allow St. Mirren captain Mark O’Hara to move back into his natural position in the middle of the park. He’d then instantly have an attempt at goal, but his header from a deep free-kick was just over the bar. St. Mirren had a penalty appeal waved five minutes from time when Jayden Richardson went down in the box following contact from Marcelo Saracchi. Sinisalo would then produce an excellent double save to keep Celtic’s lead in the closing stages. The lead didn’t last long however as Mandron latched onto a Jake Young through ball and beat Sinisalo low into the bottom corner to equalise in stoppage time. Luke McCowan came close to winning it at the death, but his half volley from outside the box was just over. The first chance of extra-time fell to Mandron, looking for a hat-trick. The forward managed to meet Declan John’s cross once more, but the shot was blocked by substitute Dane Murray. Celtic then looked to James Forrest to counter from a corner, but was shut down by Mark O’Hara who was booked for his foul. Iheanacho restored Celtic’s lead in the 96th minute, heading in from a James Forrest cross. McCowan put Celtic two up immediately after with a great finish. The fourth then became the fifth when Ihenancho cooly finished past Tamosevicius. The fifth became the sixth when Nygren gave Celtic their fourth goal in six minutes. Celtic didn’t look to let St. Mirren off the hook in the second half of extra-time as Tamosevicius produced saves from Forrest and Iheanancho before Austin Trust fired high and wide from close range. The final chance of the match fell to Iheanacho, but his effort went out for a throw in. The whistle sounded shortly after as Celtic reached their fourth consecutive Scottish Cup final. Celtic will return to Barclays Hampden to face Neil Lennon’s Dunfermline in the final of the Scottish Gas Men’s Scottish Cup on the 23rd May. This ensures a re-run of the 2007 cup final, where Lennon was the Celtic captain in a 1-0 win. Celtic: Sinisalo, Ralston, Arthur (Murray 91′), Trusty, Tierney (Saracchi 82′), McGregor (Oxlade-Chamberlin 74′), Engels (McCowan 74′), Nygren, Yang (Iheanacho 82′), Maeda, Tounekti (Forrest 60′) St. Mirren: Mullen (Tamosevicius 16′), Donnelly (McMenamin 82′), Gogic, Freckelton, O’Hara, Devaney, Campbell (Richardson 74′), Phillips (Idowu 74′), John (Tanser 105′), Mandron, Ayunga (Young 74′)

Big departures met with big signings: Hibs’ January window reviewed

After a quiet start to the mid-season window, Hibernian finished the window with six signings in the closing few days, although, there was some major departures from Easter Road.  Hibs’ first signing arrived on January 29th, when they secured the signature of highly rated youngster Owen Elding from Sligo Rovers. Elding went onto have a promising debut on Sunday against Rangers. The Irishman’s signature may be interpreted as a like-for-like replacement for Kieron Bowie. The Scotland international departed for Hellas Verona in Serie A, joining a long list of Scots in Italy. The rumoured fee for Bowie is around €6 million, with add-ons up to €7 million. Although he will undoubtedly be a big loss for David Gray’s men, a tenfold profit after 18 months in Leith can only be seen as outstanding business from Hibs. Tottenham youngster Dane Scarlett was also added to the strike-force on a loan deal until the end of the season. In the midfield, Hibs secured Coventry midfielder Kai Andrews on loan to support an injury ridden midfield. Despite not making any signings for the opening four weeks, Hibs seemed to move quickly once stories did break around potential signings. Except for Felix Passlack. The German was eventually signed on deadline day after a lengthy saga where VfL Bochum were reluctant to let the ex-Dortmund right-back leave without finding a suitable replacement. It seems Hibs transfer executives were working overtime on deadline day, Croatian forward Ante Suto arrived on a two-and-a-half year deal with Copenhagen defender Munashe Garananga signing a loan deal until the end of the season. Hibs were not devoid of departures throughout the window. Zach Mitchell had his loan cut short with Nathan Jones deeming the defender wasn’t receiving enough game time, which may have forced Hibs’ hand to recruit Garananga. Midfielders Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett also departed in pursuit of more game time. Levitt has moved to League 1 side Leyton Orient whilst Junior Hoilett has signed for Swindon amid his Canada side hosting the World Cup this summer. Perhaps Hibs’ the biggest story of deadline day was record signing Thibault Klidje joining Danish side Randers on loan for the remainder of the season. Klidje has failed to hit the ground running since arriving in Edinburgh, thus David Gray has opted to loan out the £1 million man with Martin Boyle, Elie Youan, Dane Scarlett, Owen Elding and Ante Suto all now competing for two spots in the forward line. All-in-all, Hibs slow start to the window did raise a few eyebrows, but the sprint over the finish line does offer some redemption. On paper, the signings do seem to be strong ones, adding two players with Champions League experience to the ranks. Lesser used players were moved on, freeing up money in a bloated squad, especially amongst the midfielders. Of course, loaning out your record signing after a poor opening six months does raise eyebrows, but David Gray and Malky MacKay have maintained that he will return to the club next season, where Hibs fans will be hoping that game time in Denmark will translate to goals upon his return. As the end of the season approaches, Hibs will hope these midseason reinforcements will be able to improve Hibs as they aim to build on an inconsistent start to the season, even with European football still an achievable target in Leith. Ins: Owen Elding, Kai Andrews (loan), Dane Scarlett (loan), Felix Passlack, Ante Suto, Munashe Garananga (loan) Outs: Zach Mitchell (re-called), Kieron Bowie, Dylan Levitt, Junior Hoilett, Thibault Klidje (loan)

Hibernian announce first signing of the window.

Hibernian have announced the signing of Owen Elding from Sligo Rovers. Elding joins on an four-and-a-half year deal with Hibs paying an undisclosed fee. David Gray’s side have longed for a striker to fill a tall, physical profile to compete with the highly sought after Kieron Bowie. Hibs missed out on Lyndon Dykes on deadline day during the last window, with the Scotland striker since moving to Charlton. Elding is now expected to fill this profile standing at 6ft 2. He has also played part of his career on the right wing, cutting onto his left foot, extremely similar to Kieron Bowie when he first moved to Edinburgh. Elding is an extremely highly rated youngster back in Ireland, with the 19-year-old also being linked with European clubs such as Club Brugge, Sturm Graz and even Juventus. In his first interview with the club, Elding said: “I’m buzzing to be here. Got here this morning, did the medical, met a few of the lads, and I’m just buzzing to get going now. “It’s been hectic. I came in this morning, met everyone and all the staff. Done the medical; there was a lot of testing to be done. “I came over and visited, and I stayed over last week and watched a few games. It was just the ambition of the Club [that made me want to come here] from when I came round and looked at all the facilities. “Everything’s top drawer and I’m just buzzing to get going.” In the 2025 League of Ireland season, Elding found the net on 12 occasions whilst also bagging the Young Player of the Year award. When talking about what he wants to achieve at Hibs, Elding said: “I’m hoping to come in and make a big impact straight away; come in, score a few goals and help the team. “But, in the long run, hopefully we can get the team into Europe. This club should be competing in European competitions and winning trophies. “I’m a good, honest worker “I know where the net is. I’ll give everything for the team and hopefully we can win some football matches.” This marks Hibs’ first signing of a quiet window, which has frustrated many fans. The club are still linked with German fullback Felix Passlack, but his move is thought to be held up by VfL Bochum anticipating a replacement before allowing the move to go through. Rumours have also started circulating that David Gray’s side will add ex-Motherwell midfielder Kai Andrews to the ranks, whilst a club-record sale of Kieron Bowie to Hellas Verona seems to be a formality at this stage. Owen Edling could make his Hibs debut as early as Sunday at home to Rangers.

Is there cause for concern at Hibs?

The January transfer window is never an easy one, but at the time of writing, Hibernian are the only side in the Scottish Premiership yet to make a signing this window, even with key positions such as right- wing back and striker noticeably needing improved. David Gray may also need to strengthen at centre back with on-loan Zach Mitchell being recalled by Charlton as Nathan Jones deemed he wasn’t receiving enough game time for his development. This leaves Hibs with only four recognised centre backs to fill their favoured back three. Hibs fans have largely been devoid of transfer rumours in this window too. They’ve been linked to Sheffield Wednesday striker Bailey Cadamarteri, but the talks surrounding the Jamaican international have largely gone quiet. German fullback Felix Passlack has also been linked with a move to the capital. Many reports suggest that Passlack will become a Hibs player this window, although the deal is yet to materialise. In a pre-match press conference, Gray was asked about Hibs transfer activity- or lack of. He said: “We’ve still got ten days or so, so I expect there to be movement. I expect there are still things to happen. “In terms of our recruitment strategy and what we want to do, we’re working hard to try to do things, and if it can improve the group and it can be done, we certainly would like to do that. “In an ideal world, you want that done on day one. Every manager and coach around the country, all over the world, would say the same thing – the earlier you can get players in, the better. “It doesn’t always work like that, especially in the January window as well. Sometimes you need to be a little bit reactive. It is a case of when you get to the end of the window, making sure your squad is stronger than when you started. That is the key.” Hibernian will now look towards a hectic end to the window before the February 2nd deadline. Fans will be hoping for more transfer talk than just Cadamarteri and Passlack, who have been the only credible rumours thus far this window.

“Looking at him now, it’s a perfect fit” Neil Lennon praises David Gray ahead of Scottish Cup clash.

Hibs travel to Dunfermline tomorrow, where David Gray will face off against one of his former managers for the first time in his career. Gray was Lennon’s captain at Hibs from 2016-2019 where he lead the Edinburgh side to the Championship title and European football upon their return to the Premiership the following season. Neil Lennon currently finds himself at Championship side Dunfermline Athletic, who sit 5th in the table. After back-to-back postponements, Dunfermline haven’t played a competitive game since December 27th, where they beat local rivals Raith Rovers.  Hibs come into the game on good form, boasting a five match unbeaten streak, which also includes a win against their local rivals Hearts on the 27th December. When asked for his perspective on his experiences with Gray, Lennon said: “He took on the responsibility of being captain very well. The players gravitated to him. He was a very good player. He scored some really important goals for me in Europe and domestic games as well. He was so committed. Loved to tackle. He was pretty consistent. “He was a really good captain for me. He was a really good buffer between me and the players. Whether I saw him being a head coach or not, you don’t think about those things at the time. Looking at him now, it’s a perfect fit. “Sometimes he was probably a bit more mature than myself.” Throughout his time at Hibs, David Gray has been managed by Alan Stubbs, Neil Lennon, Paul Heckingbottom and Jack Ross before hanging his boots up to join Jack Ross’ coaching staff, where he remained and worked under Shaun Maloney, Lee Johnson and Nick Montgomery. Upon the dismissal of each of these coaches, Gray would take charge on an interim basis before eventually landing the full time job last season. However, the start to Gray’s managerial career was extremely chaotic as Hibs only mustered one win from their opening fourteen, before producing a seventeen game unbeaten run, securing third place and European football. When asked for his thoughts on his ex-player’s resilience, Lennon said: “I thought he was brilliant last year because he had such a difficult start “He weathered all that pressure and scrutiny. He came out the other side of it to have a brilliant second half of the season. “At the start of the year, they were really good in Europe. Now they’ve hit a really good form again despite having a couple of players missing. “I’m delighted for him because I know what Hibs means to him. He’s a young coach. He’s had a real baptism of fire. He’s handled it brilliantly.” David Gray offered his own comments on Lennon’s time at Hibs, he said: “I’ve said a few times, he’s very much what the club needed at the time when they brought him in just after Alan Stubbs left and that was someone who’s got that winning mentality every single day in training, that’s what he wanted to see, he wanted his teams to be winning and driving that standard all the time. “It was exactly what we needed to get out of the Championship, we’d spent too long in the Championship as a football club “That attitude of making sure you’re going into every game with that winning mentality and it was definitely something he instilled in the team straight away and I fully expect that mindset to be going towards the Dunfermline players at the weekend, making sure they’re right up for it.” Ahead of this year’s Scottish Cup campaign, David Gray will be hoping to lead Hibs to the trophy 10 years after he scored the stoppage time winner as Hibs lifted the trophy for the first time in 114 years. Despite already having the chance to do so, a Scottish Cup win would also make David Gray the first person to win a trophy with Hibs as both a player and manager since Famous Five member and club legend Eddie Turnbull did so with his ‘Turnbull’s Tornadoes’ side in 1972. Gray lost the 2021 Premier Sports Cup final to Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic when in interim charge following the sacking of Jack Ross. Hibs travel to Dunfermline Athletic tomorrow for a 12:30 kick-off in the Scottish Cup fourth round, live on BBC Scotland in a match that is set to have a massive crowd inside East End Park as Hibs are expecting 5,000 of their own in the away end.