Jamie Gullan credits Lowland League shift with preparing him for Hibs test

The 21-year-old has made 12 appearances in all competitions for the Easter Road side so far this term, albeit mostly off the bench, but has scored twice in Betfred Cup wins against Cove Rangers and Dundee.

With Nisbet and Christian Doidge ahead of him in the pecking order he has had to bide his time but dismissed talk of seeking another temporary move away from the Capital club.

Speaking ahead of Hibs’ Scottish Premiership encounter against Motherwell on Saturday, Gullan said: “I'm happy here pushing for my place and constantly trying to impress in training.

"Twelve games is a good number, even though I've been off the bench, and I'm looking to keep building on that.

“It’s just about being patient but I'm happy here fighting for my place.”

Hibs have sent a clutch of players on loan to the fifth tier of Scottish football in recent seasons with youngsters Jack Brydon and Connor Young currently impressing at Civil Service Strollers. Gullan himself had a poductive spell in Galashiels during the 2017/18 season and believes that first taste of "men's football" as a 17-year-old helped him kick-start his career.

Gullan explained: “There wasn't a lot of pampering at that level, it was more about me trying to learn the game and learn different ways of playing.

"There's a lot of different teams and players in that league. It was a good learning curve but obviously very different to being about the Hibs training centre. To be honest, I didn't mind it at all. It's football. Training is training, it's to get you ready for a game on the Saturday.

"At the lower levels, you only train two days a week and a lot of it is about how you carry yourself off the pitch and how you get ready for games.

“I enjoyed it, it was a really good first taste of men’s football and I improved for it. I had a pair of pink boots and I remember I was getting it tight from a few fans, but I enjoyed it; it was a really good first taste of men’s football, and I improved for it.”

The forward netted in a 4-4 draw against a Rangers XI in a bounce game earlier this week and admitted that the chance to get a full 90 minutes under his belt was crucial.

Gullan continued: “The game on Tuesday was a really good test and a good run-out. A lot of us haven't had a full 90 minutes for a long time so it's good to keep getting these games, especially against Rangers, who are a good team.

“I was pleased to get 90 minutes and obviously a goal. Every time I get on the pitch I'm looking to score.

“I'm trying to form good habits and the friendlies can hopefully help me gather some sort of momentum.”

Jamie Gullan and his team-mates are supporting Save The Children’s Christmas Jumper Day. You can join them by donating just £2 and digging out your favourite Christmas jumper, with full details available at christmasjumperday.org.