Timing is everything as Hibs decide when to throw in breakthrough stars

The January transfer window is looming large and it is expected that the club will add another couple of players to the set-up. But, while the head of the Leith outfit’s football department said they could bolster numbers by recalling some of the youngsters currently out on loan at lower league clubs, they will not rush into curtailing any of those agreements, especially with Jack Ross’s men pushing towards some lofty end-of-term targets, in the Premiership and in the cups.

“Jack and the guys have got the team in a fantastic position so, as we approach the January window, we are discussing what we feel represents success between now and the end of the season and that will reflect the business we do in the window. That is a conversation we are having.”

Giving the youngsters the structure to be able to graduate from the academy into the first team is a key part of his role, he believes. Josh Doig is one who has come through this season and impressed but, while there are several others with potential, Mathie says the timing has to be right if their emergence is to benefit everyone.

“We have young players on the periphery and we would love to see them getting their opportunity but we have to weigh that up with our desire to finish third or fourth in the league and win a cup.”

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