Lewis Stevenson hails young guns as he makes 'exciting' claim about Hibs team

Lewis Stevenson has won both domestic cups during his time at Hibs, played in Europe, and been part of some strong teams, so when he asserts that the current crop of players can be as good as any with which he’s been involved, he doesn't mean it lightly.

Lewis Stevenson has hailed Hibs' young guns including forward Jamie Gullan

Although Stevenson hasn't been the omnipresent defender of previous campaigns with Josh Doig and Sean Mackie both getting a chance at left-back so far this term the veteran full-back, now in his 16th season in green and white, still has plenty to offer when called upon.

While both youngsters have performed well it was the Easter Road stalwart who returned to the starting line-up after a five-game absence to help the side record a clean sheet and a convincing 3-0 win against Motherwell at Fir Park and while he knows he can't go on indefinitely, he isn't ready to hand over the crown just yet.

No plans to give up just yet

Lewis Stevenson insists Hibs have to be realistic in their targets

Addressing the rise of Doig and Mackie Stevenson said: “It was always going to happen at some point.

"I'm 32 now and I don't think there are many 32-year-old full-backs in the Scottish Premiership but I genuinely feel physically as good as I have in years.

"When I have stepped in this season I think I've done alright but Sean and Josh have done brilliantly this season.

"Maybe it is time for somebody to come through and play more games but whenever I'm required I'll give it my best.”

Clean sheet and convincing win

Stevenson was tasked with nullifying Motherwell’s threat down Hibs’ left side and successfully kept the shackles on Scotland international right-back Stephen O'Donnell as the back four limited the hosts to just one shot on target over the 90 minutes, albeit Tony Watt had an effort chalked off for a foul and Bevis Mugabi crashed a header off the woodwork early in the second half before the Capital club took things up a notch.

Admitting that the first half had been forgettable from Hibs’ point of view, Stevenson revealed a rousing team-talk at the interval from head coach Jack Ross had the desired effect.

The second-half substitutions – some enforced, others not - all had an impact with Christian Doidge sealing the win with his first league goal in 76 days, and Jamie Gullan and Stephen McGinn combining for the third to put the gloss on the result and Stevenson believes there is a lot to like about the current squad.

Outstanding Gullan

He continued: “If two halves had could ever have been more different then that was it. I think that second half was the best we've played in a while.

"This Hibs team has the potential to be as good as any I've ever been involved in.

"I probably say that every year, and we'll find out by the end of the season as it's early doors yet but we've got some really exciting players and young prospects coming through.

"I thought Jamie Gullan was outstanding when he came on. He's been brilliant. We played Rangers in a bounce game this week and he was quality.

"He's going to be a massive plus for us this season and I'm sure he'll get more gametime too."

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