Hibs loan watch: How potential Easter Road stars of the future are faring this season
A look at how Hibs’ loan players are progressing away from Easter Road as the 2026/27 campaign nears the midway point
Hibs’ loan system continues to play an important role in the club's plans for the future, with several players currently gaining valuable first-team experience away from Easter Road during the 2026/27 campaign.
For some, the move represents an opportunity to establish themselves in senior football. For others, it is a chance to demonstrate that they can return to Hibs ready to compete for a regular spot in head coach Marink Reedijk’s first team.
With the season now approaching the midway point, there have been plenty of encouraging signs from a number of players out on temporary deals. The Edinburgh Evening News takes a closer look at how five Hibs loanees are faring so far...
Josh Campbell – St Johnstone
One of the most encouraging stories has been the progress of academy graduate Campbell at St Johnstone. The now experienced 26-year-old midfielder has made an impressive impact since joining the Perth club, showing that he can make a difference in the Scottish Premiership.
Campbell has already demonstrated his ability to contribute at important moments. He came off the bench to score a stoppage-time equaliser against Motherwell in late October, finding the net with a powerful header to rescue a 2-2 draw.
He followed that up with another vital contribution against Dundee, scoring the opening goal in Saints’ 2-1 victory after previously featuring as a substitute against Kilmarnock.
His recent performances suggest that the move is proving beneficial for both player and club. Regular involvement and an opportunity to take responsibility should help Campbell maintain his positive momentum.
Jacob MacIntyre – Arbroath
MacIntyre is another player enjoying a productive spell away from Easter Road. The 20-year-old returned to Arbroath, having already made his mark at Gayfield Park during his previous spell with the Championship club last season.
His development has continued this campaign, with MacIntyre becoming an integral member of the Red Lichties starting XI. He has started every game since re-joining the club, underlining the trust placed in him by co-managers David Gold and Colin Hamilton.
His performances have also produced tangible attacking returns. In Arbroath's 4-1 victory over Ayr United last weekend, MacIntyre scored and provided an assist, earning himself a place in the SPFL Team of the Week.
Regular football in Scotland’s second-tier is giving him the opportunity to develop physically, tactically and technically while building confidence in a competitive environment.
Joseph McGrath – Alloa Athletic
McGrath has taken a step up in his development with Alloa Athletic in League One. The young defender has been given an excellent opportunity to gain senior experience by Wasps manager Andy Graham and has responded well by establishing himself in the starting line-up.
McGrath made his sixth consecutive start against Airdrieonians earlier this months, demonstrating that he is becoming a dependable option. The challenge now is to continue improving his defensive consistency and help Alloa move away from the relegation zone.
Zach Bruce – Stranraer
Bruce has experienced an interesting few weeks after initially joining Stranraer on loan. The 19-year-old midfielder featured in victories against Annan Athletic and Spartans before receiving an unexpected opportunity with the Hibs first team.
Bruce was called into the senior squad for the Premiership clash against Celtic on October 25th, replacing Martin Boyle as a late addition. He has subsequently remained involved with Reedjik’s squad, taking his place on the substitutes' bench against St Mirren and Aberdeen. He also travelled with the squad for the Premier Sports Cup semi-final victory over Hearts at Hampden.
It represents a positive development in his young career. Although Bruce’s involvement with the first team has interrupted his loan move, the experience of training and travelling with the senior squad will be valuable. His progress will be worth following over the remainder of the campaign.
Lewis Gillie – Stranraer
Gillie has also been enjoying a positive spell at Stair Park. The teenage centre-back has been starring in League Two, with his regular involvement helping Chris Aitken’s side maintain an impressive run of form.
He initially featured from the bench in victories over Annan and Spartans before being handed starting opportunities. Gillie subsequently started against Clyde and in the 3-0 victory over Stirling Albion, contributing to a run that extended Stranraer's unbeaten league sequence to 11 matches.
Playing against experienced forwards and dealing with the physical challenges of the lower divisions should help him develop the attributes needed to compete for a future opportunity at Easter Road.
Ryan Mallon - Bonnyrigg Rose
Academy goalkeeper Mallon is experiencing his first taste of senior football with Lowland League side Bonnyrigg Rose, whom he joined on an initial six-month loan in August.
The 19-year-old shot-stopper has been at Hibs since arriving from Livingston Boys Club at the age of eight and has progressed through the club's youth system.
Mallon enjoyed an impressive 2024/25 campaign as part of Hibs' title-winning CAS Elite Under-18 League squad and has also gained experience in the Development Squad, UEFA Youth League and KDM Evolution Trophy.
His move to New Dundas Park represented an important next step in his development. The early stages of his loan saw him locked in a battle to establish himself as Bonnyrigg's first-choice goalkeeper.
Mallon will be hoping to finish his temporary stint on a high by making a regular run of starts over the coming weeks.