Hibs' Harry McKirdy 'just looking for a bit of love' as Lee Johnson explains player's frustration and social media incident

Hibs manager Lee Johnson insists Harry McKirdy was simply ‘fishing for compliments’ when he made a now-deleted comment on social media that sparked anger amongst a section of the club’s support.

The 25-year-old striker reacted positively to a fan of former club Swindon Town urging him to return to the County Ground before removing his remarks, but not before a number of Easter Road supporters had taken umbrage with what they felt was a poor attitude from the player, who signed on deadline day of the summer transfer window.

Johnson played down the remarks and confirmed he had held talks about the incident with McKirdy, who is currently sidelined with a thigh strain. Insisting that the forward wasn’t angling for a return to England, he added: “I perceived it as a player who did well at a previous club showing his support and fishing for compliments and a bit of love – not necessarily detrimental to where he is, but if that was the case then we look to move people on if they're not happy.

"That certainly wasn't the case when I had the conversation; I think he's very grateful for the reception he's had from the fans and people around the city. He's probably frustrated that he hasn't been able to maximise what he sees as the true version of himself for the supporters and for the club.

"He's got to be aware that everything is picked up and can be perceived in many different ways but I'm not sure the impact intended was the impact that was felt, and that's from listening to him and getting his side of the story."