Hibs boss Shaun Maloney speaks on 'outstanding' Josh O'Connor and Connor Young and makes pathway promise

Shaun Maloney is hopeful that Josh O’Connor’s debut for Hibs following a string of impressive displays for the under-18s can send a message to the rest of the club’s Academy players.

Shaun Maloney watches over a group of the club's under-18 players during first-team training at HTC

The young forward made his bow in green and white as a second-half substitute in the 3-1 defeat by Aberdeen before the international break, and the Easter Road boss is keen to see many of O’Connor’s colleagues in the youth team follow the same route.

"I was really glad Josh O'Connor got on the pitch against Aberdeen, and he had that opportunity with the shot. He's been outstanding for the under-18s,” Maloney told the Evening News.

“Hopefully what that shows the whole Academy is that, if you are outstanding for the youth team, then I will give you an opportunity in the first team.

“It also hopefully that gives everyone in the Academy proof that there is a pathway to the first team for everyone here.”

O’Connor’s strike partner Connor Young bagged a first-half hat-trick against Dundee United in midweek and Maloney was delighted to see another outstanding showing from a youth player.

“Connor did fantastically well against Dundee United in midweek for the 18s. They train with us at least two or three times a week and that's part of the model of the club,” he explained.

“I love the fact that we are trying to bring these players through. They now know that if they are outstanding for the youth team, then they will get that opportunity in the first team.

“In my opinion, that's the way it should be.”

Message from the editor

Thank you for reading this article. If you haven't already, please consider supporting our sports coverage with a digital sports subscription.