Hibs ace keeping track of 'names flying about' in new gaffer hunt as 'massive' international chance beckons
Forward in ‘big decision’ admission as Gray successor lined up
A first proper involvement with the Republic of Ireland will come as a relief for Owen Elding. Not just because he’s been waiting so long to finalise all the paperwork clearing up his international eligibility – but because being away with his country will allow him to decompress and reset after a brutal week as a Hibs player.
But switching off completely from events in and around Easter Road? Come on, now. That’s not going to happen.
Gray sacked in midweek
The young forward, asked if he’d still be checking into the group chat and following up every whisper about who his employers might appoint as a successor to axed gaffer David Gray, grinned as he admitted: “Yes, definitely. Obviously everyone will be in the same boat, there'll be names flying about, but obviously until it's set in stone then nobody really knows.
“It’s a big decision. There are big decisions to make every day at football clubs and obviously picking a manager is one of the biggest.
“Time will tell. We've got a two-week break now for the club to find someone and hopefully it's the right man.”
Elding, born in England but raised in Ireland when his footballing father moved there to pursue his own playing career, has long been coveted by Republic boss Heimir Hallgrimsson. The former Sligo Rovers star was called into the squad for summer friendlies even though interminable hold-ups over his Irish passport meant he could only train with the group, without getting a chance to play.
UEFA Nations League opportunity beckons
That should change in UEFA Nations League games against Kosovo, Israel and Austria, the 20-year-old saying: “Yes, really looking forward to it. It's a proud moment for me and my family getting called up for the first time.
“Obviously it's been a long process getting that passport and all that, but thankfully it's sorted now. Hopefully I can make my international debut over the next couple of weeks.
“It’s a break from club football as you said, but I think me being out the last couple of weeks as well, it's a real chance for me to get back playing again and getting that much fitness. Obviously training as well every day, so hopefully I can come back after the break as well and kick on.
“It's a massive chance for me. Obviously I was in with the squad in June away in Canada and home to Qatar, so it's good that the manager shows that confidence in me to be around the squad and shows he's got big ambitions for me. So yes, I can just do what I can in training and show the manager and staff what I can do.
“It has all happened very quickly. I mean, I did pre-season with Sligo last season. Obviously the Republic of Ireland is all I know, growing up there as well, so it will be a proud moment to make my debut.”
Elding, who intends to reach out to Gray once the dust on his sacking has settled, admitted players had found it difficult to regroup after the manager’s midweek dismissal. The former club captain was relieved of his duties after a 1-0 home loss to Kilmarnock that saw Hibs slip to ninth in the Scottish Premiership table.
Speaking after yesterday’s 1-1 home draw with Aberdeen under the guidance of interim head coach John Potter, Elding said: “It’s be difficult week for everyone involved. Obviously a really positive result against Aberdeen, though.
“The boys showed very good character to come back from going behind again. It's not nice to go behind at home. It's been happening too much lately. But the boys stuck together and we got a real positive result in the end.
“We had a couple of chats about sticking together, reminding each other that it was just everyone inside that dressing room that could change what's going on out there on the pitch. I think you've seen that togetherness to come back and fight for each other and get a result.”