Hibs in 'what we've been missing' claim as return of attacking threat inspires optimism in coaching staff
Josh Mulligan gets Scotland message after UEFA Nations League snub
Fit-again attacking threat Owen Elding is exactly what Hibs have been missing during the early-season mini-slump that cost David Gray his job, according to Easter Road coach John Potter. And the interim boss has backed the 20-year-old to explode onto the international stage over the next couple of weeks.
The former Sligo Rovers youngster, an instant hit after joining Hibs back in January, picked up a calf injury as his team drew 0-0 with Gent in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off in Belgium. He was out of action as Gray’s men fell just short in their bid to become the first Hibs side to reach the league/group stages of European football, losing the second leg 3-2 at home.
Republic of Ireland striker missed key games for club
Elding was also forced to sit out as Hibs lost the first Edinburgh derby of the season at Easter Road, then suffered disappointing away defeat to St Johnstone. Only available to come off the bench as a second-half substitute in last week’s 1-0 home loss to Kilmarnock, the result that ultimately did for Gray, he returned to the starting line-up for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Aberdeen.
“It's great to have him back fit,” said Potter, who will remain in charge until Hibs appoint a new boss, with the club still hoping to get someone in place during the international break.
“He’s shown what we’ve been missing for the last three or four weeks, or maybe even slightly longer than that. He's a real quality player. I really enjoy working with him and watching him playing.
“I actually didn't realise how physical he could be until you see him in the flesh. He's got real quality.”
Nations League brings mixed fortunes for Hibs international hopefuls
Elding should finally make his Republic of Ireland debut across the four Nations League ties spread out over the long international break. The Irish head to Pristina’s Fadil Vokrri Stadium to play Kosovo on Thursday night.
Republic boss Heimir Hallgrimsson called Elding into his squad for summer friendlies against Qatar and Canada – even though a delay to his passport paperwork meant he was ineligible to play. The English-born striker/No.10, who moved to Ireland as a child, finally got the all-clear to represent his adopted homeland in July.
Potter believes Elding finally getting to experience international football will be a benefit to both the player and his club, saying: “I think he'll be brilliant. I think he'll do good.
“I'm sure going away with really top players, as well, will enhance him. And hopefully he goes away and does really well.”
Potter has also outlined exactly what Josh Mulligan must do in order to make up for the disappointment of missing out on Sebastien Pocognoli’s first Scotland squad. The former Dundee midfielder did get a call-up, but not a first senior cap, from Steve Clarke last season – but an injury hampered his hopes of making a late run at the World Cup squad.
Back to something approaching his best, the former Scotland Under-21 star – who came back for the final two games of last season – is still hopeful of forcing his way into the full squad.
Potter said the all-action Hibs star had been disappointed to miss out, revealing: “Yes, but that's up to Josh to work hard to get into the next one. I think it's pretty straightforward.
“Josh has got some real good qualities and he's probably different to a lot of players that Scotland have got. Scotland have got a lot of good midfielders in there and it's a position where they've got a lot of good players, a lot of good numbers.
“I hope Josh is disappointed because that's got to be his ambition and he's got to keep working away to try and do that. He did have a long injury last season. He's had a lot of games now and he's up to speed.
“Hopefully a little break might do him quite good because he had a lot of quick games coming up in the last three months. Maybe a little break and he'll get going again after he comes back.”