Hibs face goalkeeping dilemma as on-loan Dillon Barnes recalled by QPR with immediate effect

Dillon Barnes, pictured in action for Hibs against St Mirren at Easter Road, on December 23, has been recalled by QPR. (Photo by Bill Murray / SNS Group)

The 24-year-old made eight appearances for Hibs this term including the last four Scottish Premiership fixtures as he provided cover for injured number one, Ofir Marciano.

Barnes only prior first team involvement had come in the Befred Cup and Hibs head coach Jack Ross intimated that the decision to return to London was down to a “desire for regular first-team football”.

With Kevin Dabrowski on a season-long loan at Dumbarton, Barnes’ sudden departure leaves goalkeeping coach Craig Samson as the only fit goalkeeper at the club. The 36-year-old appeared on the bench in the 3-0 defeat to Livingston on Saturday after Marciano pulled out of the warm-up.

“Dillon goes with our best wishes and I’d like to thank him for his contribution this season,” Ross said.

“He’s been a well-liked member of the group, whose attitude has been first class since the day he arrived at the Hibernian Training Centre.

“Our goalkeeping coach, Craig Samson, has been equally pleased with his efforts.

“Dillon has performed well when he’s had the opportunity to play – especially in our recent game at Ibrox when Ofir Marciano missed out through injury.

“However, we understand the desire for regular first-team football.”

Barnes, who has yet to make a first team appearance for QPR, said: “I’ve loved every minute of my time at Hibs. I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the club and it’s been a great experience all-round.

“I’ve learned a lot that I’ll take with me, and it’s been a pleasure working on a daily basis with the coaching staff and the other goalkeepers.

“I’ll always look out for the Hibs score on a Saturday and it goes without saying that I hope the boys have a great second half of the season.”

With Kevin Dabrowski currently on a season-long loan at Dumbarton, Barnes’ departure leaves goalkeeping coach Craig Samson as the only fit goalkeeper at the club. The 36-year-old appeared on the bench in the 3-0 defeat to Livingston on Saturday after Marciano pulled out of the warm-up.

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