How did Hibs land rising star in face of stiff competition? Kieron Bowie example helps persuade new boy
Teenage striker could be thrown into Easter Road deep end against Rangers
Kieron Bowie may well be on his way to pastures new. But his impact on Hibs continues to be felt – not least in the example he’s set to potential new signings.
When David Gray was trying to persuade teenage striker Owen Elding that Easter Road was the ideal next step for a young talent with multiple options in a variety of footballing environments, he didn’t have to vary his pitch much. And really only had to point to one shining example of what Hibs can do for a rising talent, when things work out just right.
“I think that's the same conversation I had with Kieron Bowie before he signed with the football club,” said Gray, the former club captain adding: “I've said it many times, it's a fantastic club with brilliant facilities, an incredible fan base.”
Stadium atmosphere a major lure
With a nod to a huge photo mural of a packed Easter Road – taken ahead of the final game of last season, a 2-2 draw with Rangers – that spans an entire wall of the analysis auditorium and meeting room out at Hibernian Training Centre, the manager added: “The stadium, I always look over to that picture on the wall and I talk about it.
“The opportunity to play a really high level against good sides. It's an opportunity potentially to win things, European football, if you're successful and test yourself against good sides.
“With that, you look back to some of the players that have joined the club that hadn't played for a national team before they signed. It's a genuine opportunity if you're playing to a high level here that national team managers look at you.
“Kieron's an example of that. Josh Mulligan, for the first time, got recognition, obviously didn't play (for Scotland), but things like that.
“There's a lot of stories like that, players coming in and if you play to a level, it really helps you kick on with your career. It's an opportunity for you and I want to look at that as well.”
Recruitment not a one-man job
Pressed on how Hibs had managed to pull of what Gray himself describes as a “coup” by securing Sligo Rovers Player of the Year Elding on a four-and-a-half year deal, the gaffer said: “I think that's probably credit to everybody involved within the process. It's not just one person picking up the phone and having that chat.
“It's about demonstrating how I can believe I can try and make him better - and give him the platform as the next step in his career.
“I think it's real credit to the club that we signed him, becaue there was a lot of interest in him and he had a few options. I also think it's real credit to him in terms of that desire to want to keep playing all the time.
“He's only 19 years old. He’s made about 70 appearances in the Irish league. At a young age, he's played a lot of men's football.
“He's determined to keep playing men's football rather than maybe going and being a squad player or maybe going and taking that step back. You don’t want that if you're 19 and playing all the time.
“As I said, I don't want to rush that in terms of him saying you're going to start games of football straight away. We're not thinking that way at all.
“But certainly, he comes right into the frame as a first team player straight away on day one, at 19 years old.
“I think it's a fantastic club. He's just seen Kieron Bowie doing really well at the minute. Some younger players, real strong assets within the club.
“But also, I think added to that, a lot of good experience. Players that train well and are real good professionals.”
Danny Rohl’s team up next for David Gray’s men
Bowie looks increasingly likely to be on his way to Verona in a £7 million move BEFORE Sunday’s visit of Rangers, while Thibault Klidje – still the club record signing following his £1.5 million summer move – is recovering from a gastric illness. So how comfortable would Gray be in throwing Elding in at the deep end against Danny Rohl’s team?
“Yeah, I think probably just because of where the squad's at right now, with players out and injuries. Obviously a lot can change between now and Sunday,” he said. “But he's had a strong pre-season. It's not as if he's not had any football. I know the Irish league’s obviously stopped, but he was well into his pre-season.
“He's had some bounce games as well. He's played 90 minutes last week. He's had 60 minutes, 90 minutes. So, he's physically capable.
“It's not as if we're throwing him into a situation where you're putting him at risk of injury. Not at all.
“So, we need to get eyes on him first and get him around the group. But there's certainly no pressure from me either.
“He is a really exciting one. But it might not happen overnight. It's something that we just need to monitor and make sure that we keep improving him and give him the opportunity when we think it's right.
“He’s not trained today. Tomorrow, he'll be around the squad. And then, obviously, you've got a match day minus one. He'll train fully and we'll take it from there.
“Obviously, you've got your medical and testing and physical stuff to look at just to see exactly where he's at.
“He's desperate to get going, which is obviously what you'd expect from a young player coming over. You want to try and make an impression - and I'm looking forward to working with him.”