'There will be suitors' - Michael Weir on the player who deserves a new contract at Hibs

Joe Newell challenges Dundee's Finlay Robertson during a Betfred Cup match between Hibs and Dundee at Easter Road, on November 15, 2020 (Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group)

He is out of contract in the summer and based on his performances he deserves a new contract, but whether the manager sees him sees him as part of his long-term plans, I don't really know. He's certainly not doing his case any harm to keep himself at the club.

You have to look at it in terms of performances, and this season he's probably been one of our better players. If Jack Ross feels he is part of the longer term plans then they've got to tie him down and try to get him on a contract because I definitely think there will be suitors for him based on the way he's played this season.

There will be teams looking at him so it's a decision the manager needs to make with January approaching.

To be successful Hibs need to build up the squad over a period of time and Jack has to look at who's going to be part of his long-terms plan for the club. And if he he feels Newell is that type of player then try to get him tied down.

He's one of these players like we've had before where you don't realise how good they are until they've gone. Hibs have not really recovered from losing the McGinn's and McGeough's of this world, which was always going to be the case.

These players are difficult to replace, so it's a case of trying to get a bit of stability and get a side that's going to be together long term. If the manager feels Joe Newell is part of that then he has to act soon and get him on a long term contract.

It was good to see the likes of Darren McGregor and David Gray on the pitch against Dundee. They are very good professionals and are invaluable to you especially at certain times in the season where one or two get injured or whatever may be.

It's essential at a footbal club for young players to have experienced pros to look up to and have that steadying influence. They have still got a major part to play at the club.

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