Hibs' Fraser Murray admits he may have to go out on loan in January

Fraser Murray has found game-time limited at Hibs. Pic: SNS

Hibs youngster Fraser Murray has admitted he may have to consider going out on loan next month to get the regular first-team football he craves.

Although very much part of head coach Jack Ross’ squad, the 20-year-old has found himself confined to the bench and having to make do with cameo appearances as a substitute.

As happy as he is to be involved, the midfielder knows within himself that if his career is to progress as he hopes, then ten or 15 minutes “here and there” won’t suffice.

And, he revealed, he’s noted how fellow Easter Road kid Jamie Gullan is thriving with Raith Rovers, the striker scoring a double in their 5-3 win over East Fife at the weekend to fire the Kirkcaldy club to the top of League One and take his tally for the season to nine.

“I follow all the boys who are out on loan,” revealed Murray, “and they have all said they have enjoyed it. Jamie is not just playing, but playing to get Raith promoted. Things are going well for him and I’m happy for him, although I’d say his celebration at the end of Saturday’s game was questionable.”

While adamant that he’s taking the advice of Ross to keep his head down, to work hard in training and that opportunities will follow, Murray will wait to see what unfolds during the January transfer window.

He said: “The games I have come on in I’ve tried to make an impression. I enjoyed playing at Celtic Park for the first time and I thought I did well that day. I obviously enjoy being part of it all at Easter Road – but I want to push on.

“I’m getting that bit older and there does come a stage when ten or 15 minutes here and there is not enough.”

Midfield is arguably the strongest area of Hibs’ set-up, with Murray an avid listener and observer as he learns from the likes of Scott Allan, Stevie Mallan, Melker Hallberg, Vykintas Slivka and Daryl Horgan.

Such competition, though, makes reaching his goal all the more difficult. He continued: “It’s obviously going to be hard to make an impact and get ahead of players like that. Scott, for example, has been doing brilliantly, but I look to see what I can add to my game and so do better.

“I haven’t been out on loan yet, but it’s something if I’m not playing I’d like to look at.”

Regarded as one of the most promising youngsters at the club, Murray insisted the managerial upheaval during the past year – Neil Lennon replaced by Paul Heckingbottom who, in turn, was moved out and replaced by Ross – has added to his learning curve.

He said: “All three managers have been good with me, I’ve enjoyed working with every one of them. They each work differently and have different ways to play and you learn different things.

“Towards the end of last season I played a few games under Paul Heckingbottom and I thought I did well. But then the summer break came along and new players came in. But any change at the top is a fresh start for everyone.”