Kieron Bowie admits why Hibs transfer exit was 'impossible' to turn down as he hits milestone in Italy

Kieron Bowie has opened up on his exit from Hibs, after scoring for the first time since his big money move to Hellas Verona.

The Scotland international pounced on a swift counter attack by his side in a Serie A clash against Bologna, as he tapped the ball home after a cross into the opposing penalty area opened up acres of space for him to work in. It sealed a key 2-1 victory away from home that moves his team in the relegation zone six points away from safety, with Scottish fans getting a chance to watch, with BBC Alba picking up rights for the match.

Hibs sold the forward in the winter transfer window for a club record fee and he has been a regular starter since. Speaking to the broadcaster, he insisted that the strike was manifested pre-match, hoping his return to goalscoring form is enough to attract Scotland head coach Steve Clarke’s thoughts, ahead of the latest national team squad being announced this month for friendlies against Japan and Ivory Coast.

Kieron Bowie on first goal for Hellas Verona

Bowie said: “I think before the game we spoke it into existence. It was great. There was another I should have put away but I came back and scored eventually. Just getting it out my head, get the next one, and thankfully I did that. I think chances, especially in our team at the minute, are hard to come by and we need to take them when we get them.

“We got the three points and hopefully it is a turning point in our season. We came into today and I think a lot of people would have been against us winning but we have proved the doubters wrong, that we have the quality to get points and we did that today. I have come here to do the best I can and hopefully I can get in that squad eventually.

“I haven't been in the last one so hopefully I can get back in is thoughts. That’s the one that every striker wants, the first one, to get it out the way and hopefully it becomes natural after that. It’s amazing, what a feeling.

Why did Kieron Bowie leave Hibs?

Speaking pre-match, Bowie opened up on why opted for Italy, insisting that the opportunity to play in one of Europe’s elite leagues wasn’t one that could be turned down. He added: “At Hibs we were playing at a really good level against Rangers, Celtic and stuff, but it’s a top five league coming here.

“It’s impossible to turn that sort of thing down. It’s been good to come here and obviously we have not got the results we have wanted but the positives signs are there that we are still in it.

“As a striker you want to score goals but chances have been hard to come by and slowly we’re getting there. It’s just my teammates learning how I play and me learning how they play but it’s coming together