One game into Hibs career, Man United loanee tipped to become Edinburgh derby standout star against Hearts
Midfielder battling for starting place at Easter Road after impressive start
Jacob Devaney’s contribution to the Hibs cause stands at 81 minutes on a relatively straightforward afternoon at Dens Park. How the on-loan Manchester United copes with in a far more chaotic environment may decide the destination of local bragging rights following tonight’s Edinburgh derby.
Having spent most of the summer transfer window looking for a midfielder built to play that deeper role in the centre of the park, David Gray landed Devaney on a one-season loan – with an option to make the deal more permanent – last week. The 19-year-old went straight in to the starting XI as Hibs beat Dundee on Sunday, earning rave reviews and notable plaudits for his performance.
Devaney filling Triantis role
Now that Gray has someone apparently at ease in a position previously filled by Dan Barlaser and, before him, Nectar Triantis, it’s hard to see the Hibs boss keeping the teenager in reserve. Listening to the gaffer explain just why he’d been won over the youngster, who spent last season on loan with St Mirren, it’s clear that Gray views him highly.
“I think he's already demonstrated, very quickly, even when you look at what he did last season,” he said, adding: “I've watched a lot of him last season, when he was at St Mirren.
“And the one that stuck out for me was going to Celtic Park for ST Mirren and controlling the game, and being really brave to get on the ball, in front of 60,000 people. He did that at such a young age, without having been out on loan before, so it's not as if he'd had a bank of games.
“To go and do that shows you the maturity within such a young player, which is great, and I thought he demonstrated that at the weekend as well. There'll be times where people go tight, and he was able to retain the ball, doesn't panic.”
‘Faster and frantic’ challenge awaits youngster
Dundee away is a world away from playing Hearts at any venue. There were times on Sunday when the gap between the Hibs defence and midfield wasn’t quite spot-on; that’s where Devaney is expected to learn and develop during his year (for starters) in green and white.
Admitting that the new boy will face a tougher challenge in the derby, Gray said: “Tomorrow night will be probably faster and frantic, and maybe people might leave a wee bit more on you in that situation, which you would expect, just by the nature of the game. But if selected, I'm sure he's got the temperament, as he's already shown ,to be able to handle these occasions.
“I spoke to him after the Dundee game. I know he’s looking forward to the challenge of the derby.
“When you're trying to bring players to this football club, one of the games to showcase is always the Edinburgh derby. Because they're brilliant games, and a sell-out at Easter Road.”
New team-mates have already begun to recognise the quality of Devaney’s passing. As well as his willingness to take a chance in a bid to break lines.
Republic of Ireland international Jamie McGrath, hoping to see his compatriot promoted from the under-21s to the full national team in due course, revealed that he always expected the kid to hit the ground running. Because he’d paid close attention to Devaney’s development last season.
“I've heard a lot about Jacob last year at St Mirren,” said the former Buddies star. “I still follow St Mirren quite closely.
“I watched a lot of him last year and he was really, really good. I was delighted when he came in.
“He brings real quality. Forward passer. Gets around the pitch really well.
“He's still young so we have to make sure we keep an eye on him. When he plays with such maturity, you wouldn't think he's 19.
“Hopefully this year he can get his first call-up for Ireland, too. He's on a great trajectory at the minute. First game, man of the match and team of the week. He's settled really well.
“You can see from his overall character. He's a really well-mannered, matured young man. He's got a big future in the game, for sure.”