Hibs star gets pundit wondering in 'behind closed doors' verdict as he backs ace for Easter Road renaissance
The Hibs star has impressed in his most recent outing for the club.
A former Hibs star has backed Thibault Klidje for a run in David Gray’s team after a big weekend for the striker.
The Premiership side broke their record transfer fee to sign the forward in 2025 but his first season in Leith ended out on loan to Denmark’s Randers. He has returned to the fold under head coach Gray this campaign and showed what he’s all about with a tremendous header during Saturday’s 3-0 win over Ross County.
Stuart Lovell was on commentary duties for the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final tie that sets up a last four clash against Hearts. He’s unsure over why Klidje hasn’t had more Easter Road chances, but ahead of Tuesday’s match in the league against Hibs, the ex-Hibees forward reckons there’s validity in handing him an extended starting XI run.
How did Thibault Klidje perform vs Ross County?
Lovell said: “I think it’s going to be a very popular goal amongst the players but definitely you could hear that from the fans. Felix Passlack does ever so well to dig out a great cross but what about the spring? I mean, you've got to say Klidje is the smallest guy on the pitch, but he's got up tremendously well.
“ Looks like he's actually outjumped Akil Wright which is no mean feat. Great spring and did ever so well to actually guide the header down. I thought the ball in from Passlack was tremendous and this is what Passlack gives you. You have to play him as far up the pitch as possible because he's got that quality delivery from wide areas.
“I thought that was a really good goal. They managed to wrestle a hold of the ball in midfield. Passlack just drops his shoulder, has no right to get a quality ball in with loads of pace on it, but what a jump that is from Klidje. It's an absolutely brilliant header. You really wouldn't fancy him to score from there. That is a great finish and we're talking about a player who's been a bit-part player at Easter Road.
Will Thibault Klidje get more chances at Hibs
“Barely had any minutes and I'm sure he has been knocking on the door. That's a great way to turn around to the manager and say well this is what you could have had if you'd have given me more minutes. We don't see the players train week in and week out.
“We don't we don't get to see what they're offering. We don't see how they apply themselves. We only get to see them when they come on a matchday but I've seen enough from Klidje to think he has something to offer. You do wonder sometimes what goes on behind closed doors. Credit where it's due. This guy has been given an opportunity and he's grabbed it with both hands. I'm so impressed with the finish. I can't talk highly enough about the header. It really was tremendous leap and great contact.”
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