Hibs youth captain dubbed 'real leader' completes loan move to League 2 promotion chasers
Hibernian FC Academy Director Gareth Evans has described the transfer as a ‘real opportunity’ for the young defender.
Hibs defender Joseph McGrath has completed a loan move to League Two promotion chasers Stranraer for the remainder of the 2025/26 season.
The 18-year old, who was on the bench for the first team in their 4-1 Scottish Premiership defeat to Falkirk last weekend, is set to get his first taste of senior football with the Blues. The centre back captained the under 18s to league title success last campaign and has also worn the armband in the UEFA Youth League this season.
The Scotland under 19 youth international now leaves the Hibees on loan for the first time in what has been described as a ‘great opportunity’ by Academy Director Gareth Evans. McGrath was also described as a ‘real leader’ by Evans in an official club statement confirming his move to Stair Park.
Hibs Academy Director praises ‘real leader’ Joseph McGrath as young defender heads out on loan
He said: “This represents a great opportunity for Joseph to play regularly at a competitive level in League Two. Joseph has been a real leader in our Academy set-up for many years and we are now excited to see how he progresses playing senior football for the first time.
"This loan move will provide Joseph with an opportunity to develop at senior level and we will continue to monitor his development closely."
Confirming the signing on their own site, Stranraer wrote: “We are delighted to announce the signing of Hibernian defender Joseph McGrath, who joins the club on loan until the end of the season.A highly-rated young centre back, Joseph currently trains with the Hibs first team, having captained the Under 18s to title success last season.
“The 18 year old has been part of the Edinburgh side’s academy structure since the age of eight, rising through the ranks to sign his first professional contract in September 2023. A current Scotland youth international with caps at Under 19 and Under 17 level, Joseph goes straight into the squad for the trip to Stirling Albion on Saturday.
“We’d like to place on record our thanks to David Marshall and everyone at Hibernian FC for their assistance.”
McGrath set to help Stranraer in League Two promotion race
We are more than halfway through the SPFL season and it is Edinburgh side The Spartans who lead League Two on 40 points from 21 matches. That vies them an eight point gap ahead of second placed East Kilbride.
Clyde sit third with 21 points and it’s McGrath’s loan club Stranraer who sit fourth, occupying the final play-off spot on 28 points. They are currently two ahead of fifth placed Stirling Albion, who they face today, on 26 and four ahead of Forfar Athletic in seventh.
McGrath is expected to go straight into the Blues’ squad for the trip to Forthbank to take on the Binos. A win away to the side directly below them in the league would underline their credentials as play-off and promotion chasing hopefuls this season.