Hibs new boy Will Fish ready to fight for starting berth as he reveals delight at joining 'massive' club

The 19-year-old centre-back completed a deadline-day loan move to the Capital from Old Trafford as Lee Johnson added to his defensive options.

England youth internationalist Fish comes highly rated, having been involved with Erik ten Hag’s first-team squad during the English Premier League club’s pre-season tour of Thailand and Australia.

Bringing in another centre-back was deemed crucial after starter Rocky Bushiri was ruled out for at least two months after suffering a training-ground injury.

Fish, whose loan deal with the Hibees runs until the end of the 2022/23 campaign, is a graduate of Manchester United’s academy, having grown up in the city.

Speaking to the Hibs website, he revealed how the move had come about – involving some not-quite-last-minute rushing around before the window closed.

“It was a stressful day, to be honest. I left Manchester at 4pm and got to the HIbs training centre late on deadline day, so it was a full-on day – but I am delighted to get the deal done.

“Hibs is a massive club – everyone knows that – and as soon as they approached it was a no-brainer for me to join. The club has a lot of tradition so I am looking forward to getting started.”

Fish signed a long-term deal with United earlier this summer, tying him to the club until June 2025, with the option of an additional year.

But he is keen to get more first-team minutes, having made his debut for the Red Devils at the end of the 2020/21 season and had a brief taste of senior football during a loan spell with Stockport County in the National League.

“After last season I had a taste of first-team football and I knew straight away that I wanted to get more of that. Coming to Hibs, there is no better place to do it.

“My debut was one of my best moments in football but it was only the start – it has given me a taste to play week in and week out.

"Now, I am really looking forward to challenging for a first-team spot at Hibs. I will give it everything I’ve got and see where it takes me.”