Hibs linked with Allan Campbell and Kyle Magennis - but what would they bring to Easter Road midfield?

Jack Ross is keen to bolster his squad in the middle of the park – how could the linked duo fit in?

Kyle Magennis (left) and Allan Campbell have both been linked with Hibs

Hibs head coach Jack Ross is only too aware of the need to finetune his squad ahead of the summer transfer window deadline, and has already hinted at bringing in one or two more new faces before next week.

While the Capital club has been linked with a string of midfielders including Greg Docherty, Ross McCrorie, and Scott Fraser, St Mirren have confirmed that they have rejected at least one "substantial” bid from the Easter Road side for Kyle Magennis, while Motherwell midfielder Allan Campbell has also been linked with a move to Edinburgh.

So what would both players bring to the current playing squad?

Allan Campbell

The Fir Park fans' favourite just turned 22 in July, making him a month older than recently departed Hibs utility man Ben Stirling. But Campbell has already made more than 130 appearances in amber and has 21 caps for Scotland Under-21s.

He has primarily played as a defensive midfielder but his strongest position is arguably as a number eight.

Hibs have struggled to replace John McGinn since his departure in 2018 but Campbell would go a long way to plugging that gap.

He would complement Joe Newell’s passing abilities and Alex Gogic’s defensive focus would free up Campbell to focus on a more attacking role.

‘Well boss Stephen Robinson often used him on the right of a midfield trio in a 4-3-3 set-up and while Hibs have tended to play 4-4-2 or 3-5-2 this season, he would still be able to slot into the middle.

Lastly, his forward runs from deep – the likes of which Hibs haven’t really seen regularly since McGinn left – would help make a difference to an attack that Ross felt lacked a cutting edge at times against Celtic.

Hibs can also point to McGinn’s career pathway as an incentive but Campbell may prefer to try his luck south of the Border.

Kyle Magennis

Magennis is another player that fits the “Hibs model” – homegrown, early 20s, versatile, potential to improve, and possibly be sold on for a profit.

Jack Ross knows the 22-year-old well having been his manager at the Buddies so he is aware of the players’ abilities and along with the East Mains scouting team, feels he can fill a role in the midfield.

Magennis is quick and direct and would bring added energy to a Hibs midfield that has looked heavy-legged at times this season.

Like Campbell, he can operate in more than one position. At St Mirren he has mostly been played as a right-midfielder or central midfielder.

He has nine goals and ten assists from 107 games for the Paisley outfit but has been sidelined through injury since January.

Magennis has resumed training and is close to a return, and his appointment as club captain in June shows how highly regarded he is by St Mirren.

Hibs have a "substantial” offer knocked back but may well return with improved bids before the window slams shut – but they may have a fight on their hands from a club that holds the player in high esteem.