Scott Allan tells Hibs they've secured a transfer coup as insider info tells him everything about standout ace
The former Hibs playmaker has been handed some promising intel on one of the club’s winter signings
Scott Allan can picture Owen Elding becoming a leading figure for Hibs next season as the Irishman continues to impress at Easter Road.
The 20-year-old striker signed from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers in the winter transfer window as the Premiership outfit sought to replace Hellas Verona-bound Kieron Bowie. Elding has already been touted for a senior Republic of Ireland call-up and netted his third Hibs goal in Saturday’s 3-0 success over Kilmarnock, moving them within three points of fourth-placed Motherwell, who occupy the league’s last European qualifier spot.
Elding, Felix Passlack and Ante Suto all struck in the comfortable win. Former Hibs midfielder Allan, now a coach at League Two side East Kilbride, was told by a manager who’s worked in Ireland that a move outside the UK was expected for Elding prior to joining Hibs. His insider information coupled with watching the forward’s initial impact tells Allan that come next season, the forward will be a key player for head coach David Gray.
Owen Elding at Hibs assessed
“Owen Elding , one of the three January signings for Hibs, all on the scoresheet,” said Allan on the Scottish Football Podcast. “But Owen Elding, he's been a real standout. I had spoke to a manager I know, that worked in the League of Ireland. He said when he came over that they were expecting him to go to Europe.
“That's how highly rated he was. So for Hibs to get him, they felt that it was quite a coup for them. Listen, Hibs have recruitment-wise, they'll be looking at that. I think he's perfect. Going into next season, he's going to be a star for Hibs, I think.”
Buoyed by three clean sheets in a row, Gray is targeting three more points at Aberdeen this weekend. He feels the solid foundations have provided the groundwork for chasing down Motherwell above them in the race for Europe.
David Gray on Hibs next match vs Aberdeen
“The second half is something we’ll review,” Gray said to Hibs TV. “There are definitely areas we can be better – but the most important thing was winning the game. I asked the players to be clinical and we certainly were that today. We created some really good chances, restricted them to very little, and fully deserved the win. I’m also delighted with the clean sheet, and importantly, we’ve moved three points closer to the team in front of us.
“The three clean sheets are really important because they give you a platform to win games. There were a few changes on Saturday as well, with players coming in who haven’t had as many minutes or have been returning from injury, but they showed how well we defended our box and how little we gave away.
“At this stage of the season, it’s all about results. We’ve got six games to go, one more before the split, and it’ll be another tough test next. But we go into it (the Aberdeen game) in really good place, with momentum behind us. There’s a lot to build on, but the focus is on continuing to move forward.”