Hibs update situation with goalkeepers Matt Macey and Kevin Dabrowski

Hibs may not have to look too far for a ready-made replacement for Ofir Marciano.
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The Israeli keeper, who has been the first choice goalkeeper at the Leith club for the majority of his five-year stay, has revealed that he will not be renewing his contract this summer.

But, manager Jack Ross says the club will decide just how urgent the need to recruit a new No.1 is once the ongoing discussions with understudies Matt Macey and Kevin Dabrowski reach their conclusion.

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As it stands, they too will be free to leave in the summer, but the Easter Road gaffer is hoping they will be convinced to hang around and stake a solid claim for the first-team starting berth.

Hibs' Kevin Dabrowski (left) and Matt Macey during a training session. Both goalkeepers have been offered new deals and could have a huge part to play next season. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS GroupHibs' Kevin Dabrowski (left) and Matt Macey during a training session. Both goalkeepers have been offered new deals and could have a huge part to play next season. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group
Hibs' Kevin Dabrowski (left) and Matt Macey during a training session. Both goalkeepers have been offered new deals and could have a huge part to play next season. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group

“We have spoken to both of them and they are in different situations But Matt has made a really good impression,” said Ross.

The 26 year-old signed from Arsenal in January and was thrown into the Hibs side against Celtic and Kilmarnock. Unbeaten in those outings, he relinquished his place when Marciano regained full fitness but was welcomed as a safe pair of hands.

“He played a couple of games when he first came up and only lost his place because Ofir’s consistent form over the season had earned him the right to come back in.

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“But I think he showed in those games and in training that he is a very good goalkeeper and as we look to strengthen that department we would like to keep him at the club. We have had dialogue already and that is ongoing.

“We know that we got a little bit lucky in terms of being able to bring him to the club in January. At that stage we needed to do something to bring a new keeper in but to get someone of Matt’s character and ability was good for us.

“I think he was able to see the bigger picture as well, in terms of looking at Ofir’s situation, and thinking ‘if i can impress enough then it could benefit me long-term’ and he has definitely done that. Temperament wise, how he is around the club, I think he has enjoyed it a huge amount which is encouraging for us.

“And, Kevin is another that we want to keep at the club so discussions are ongoing with him as well.

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“He was a little bit unfortunate that we had to bring him back from his loan spell [at Dumbarton], albeit that the season was curtailed at that point anyway. Ideally, we would have put him back out for this remaining period but going into this important last part of the season I think we had to be absolutely sure that we had enough cover in the goalkeeping department.

“But, that initial loan spell was very good for him. He was very impressive in his time at Dumbarton and he proved he was capable of playing first team football at a good level.

“If we were able to keep both of them then that would give me some comfort and even with Ofir leaving, and before this season has even ended, we would still have a goalkeeping department that is looking healthy.

“And then we can debate whether we need to continue strengthening it in any way over the coming weeks and months.”

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