Rocky Bushiri: Defender on why he is compared to Vincent Kompany and how much he researched Hibs

Rocky Bushiri has revealed how he has been compared to Belgian compatriot Vincent Kompany, the extent of the research he did into Hibs before he joined the club from in January – and the “small details” Shaun Maloney is advising him on.

He did his due diligence before agreeing the loan switch from Norwich to Edinburgh, speaking friends who know Scottish football.

So while the likes of Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer sold him on the move north, they also ensured he went into that first game against Celtic well aware of the size of the task.

Ahead of today’s meeting with Celtic at Easter Road, he explained: “I know about Celtic from a few friends, Boyata and Denayer used to play there. They’re a big team in Scotland and they have won the league so many times.

Rocky Bushiri was compared to Vincent Kompany as a youth player

“It’s exciting. You want to do good against the top teams, everyone is 2000 per cent motivated. I’m sure we will give our best and do our best.”

As well as the Belgium connection – he also quizzed former Hibee Stephane Omeonga – he tapped into family connections.

“I spoke with Boyata’s dad because he is close with my dad and my uncle.

“Of course, especially for a defender this is a really good league. You are in difficult situations and the motivation to have clean sheets always makes you better.

Bushiri took counsel from Livingston and ex-Hibs midfielder Stephane Omeonga before his move.

“In Belgium we want a clean sheet but in the UK it is different, before you start a game it’s no matter what, clean sheet first. That’s very good.

“They [Boyata and Denayer] did well at Celtic. I hope I can help Hibs as much as I can and give my best.”

Compared to Vincent Kompany in his early days, 22 year-old Bushiri is still aiming for similar heights.

Hibs defender Rocky Bushiri has joined the club on loan from Norwich.

He added: “I had no fear, you know, at youth team level I was captain of most of my teams, and he was my model. When I was playing youth football they compared me to him because of my physicality and stuff and I made my debut early also.

“It’s a great motivation for me, it’s not a pressure. It’s a positive, and then, yeah, when you are with the national team you see each other, and that’s just really good.”

Since his debut for Hibs against Celtic he has experienced another three defeats, two draws and, finally, in the past two outings, two wins. He feels ready for another shot at the league leaders.

Bushiri has been compared to legendary Belgium centre-half Vincent Kompany.

“The last Celtic game was my first professional game for 10 months, so I am obviously now in a better position.

“Things are going well and we have had two wins in a row. I feel more positive.

“Every training session I try to do better, I try to do better in every game. You can’t go from 0 to 100 straight away, it’s about progress for me after my injuries and not having game-time.”

Rocky has also praised manager Shaun Maloney for the role he has in his development.

“He has been very good. I’ve been at a few clubs in my young career and he’s one of the best, as a human being as well. He wants me to do better.

“He’s so much into details and these small details make the difference. He is on me in training and will make sure one of his assistants will work with me on what he thinks. It has been really positive so far.”

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