'Really talented' Hibs ace branded key to igniting Easter Road form surge as ex Rangers man turns Hibees asset
A former Hibs midfielder has been assessing the landscape currently at Easter Road.
Kevin Thomson reckons Owen Elding is a forward who can light a spark for Marink Reedijk’s Hibs - and Rabbi Matondo may soon join him.
The Dutchman has lost his three games in charge of the club so far against Dundee United, Falkirk and Celtic, after replacing David Gray as boss last month. Forward Elding has impressed since joining Hibs earlier this year and scored against Celtic during Sunday’s 2-1 loss in Leith. Winger Matondo meanwhile has returned to Scottish football, having previously been at Rangers, following a stint in free agency.
Thomson noted empty seats against Celtic as he senses discontent within Hibs ranks, ahead of clashes with St Mirren in the league, and Hearts at Hampden on Premier Sports Cup semi-final duty this week. Elding and Matondo could be key to getting things going though under Reedijk, according to the former Hibs and Rangers technician.
Kevin Thomson on Hibs
Thomson told the Scottish Football Podcast: “I think Hibs are obviously desperate to try and get some sort of momentum built in, I suppose, you could argue under the new manager. Easter Road did look quite quiet when you look at the seats around. I think the fans are probably showing a wee bit of discontent but probably craving for a bit of excitement.
“Obviously off to a brilliant start. I do think Owen Elding from a Hibs' perspective is key really to try and kickstart the season. I think he's a really talented young player. There was an injury during obviously Dave's period, so he probably was a big miss for the team at that time.”
“Well, I think without making an excuse, it has been a difficult period. From the club's perspective, to lose someone as highly thought and highly regarded, and obviously as the player, in David Gray, I think it was always going to be hard. Sometimes your heartstrings are pulled that bit harder it's someone like Dave. I feel a wee bit for the manager.
“I do think when the dust settles, I think they'll be fine, Hibs. I think they've got enough within the squad. Obviously Rabbi Matondo has been signed as a kind of free transfer. I think when he gets up to speed, he'll hopefully be a good asset for the club. I just think, unfortunately for the manager, you've started with three defeats on the bounce, away at Dundee United, which was a difficult place to go with them obviously going well.
How will Hibs perform under Marink Reedijk?
“There's no doubt that the Falkirk game at home was a major disappointment last week. Then obviously you're playing against the champions. So if you could have had some sort of positive result, then it may have just to kickstarted it. I think the worry is that with every week that goes by, obviously cup football this weekend against your arch-rival, the last thing you want to be is on the end of a sore one off Hearts.
“I don't think I'm worrying too much. I wouldn't be if I was in the staff or in the squad, but that's not taking away from the fact that they're set on bottom of the league, and they need to kickstart this season very quickly.”