Hibs started their pre-season tour with a 1-1 draw against Jupiler League side Lierse SK at Herentals last night.
Pat Fenlon made one change to the line-up which started against East Fife, with teenage striker Ross Caldwell replacing Eoin Doyle up front. The manager’s faith in the youngster was rewarded when he marked his full debut with a stunning goal after 35 minutes to give his team a deserved lead.
Captain James McPake’s pass was deflected into his path and the 18 year old Caldwell took one touch before lifting the ball over the Lierse goalkeeper to the delight of the small band of travelling supporters.
Caldwell continued to impress, hoping to convince the manager that he is worth his place for the forthcoming season. He has been a prolific scorer at Under-19 level, leading to comparisons to a young Garry O’Connor, and last night he led the line well demonstrating his strength and ability to play with his back to goal.
In the second half, Hibs continued to dominate and could have doubled their lead when substitute Eoin Doyle burst through, but his shot was saved by Matz Sels. Immediately afterwards Lierse snatched an equaliser against the run of play when, Kostadin Halurov struck his shot past Ben Williams from the edge of the box to score.
Lierse started to take command, and Ben Williams was forced to make a couple of good saves before Hibs fought back and ended the game on top.
Pat Fenlon surprised the fans with the inclusion of trialist Alan Maybury, on the substitute’s bench, The former Republic of Ireland full back had not travelled with the squad, however with Isaiah Osbourne in talks with Blackpool, he answered Fenlon’s call and arrived at the training ground on Tuesday evening.
Fenlon confirmed that Osbourne is looking to continue his career down south so it would appear unlikely that he will be appearing for the club again. Media reports suggest that a transfer fee of £250,000 has been agreed between the teams which could free up funds to allow Maybury to sign and also leave sufficient for another striker.
Meanwhile former Manchester United winger Danny Galbraith has been ruled out of the first game of the season against Dundee United due to injury.
Hibs: Williams, Clancy, McPake (Maybury 58), Stephens (Kujabi 46), Hanlon, Sproule (Booth 64), Claros (Doyle 46), Stevenson, Cairney (Stanton), Wotherspoon, Caldwell (Handling 82). Substitutes not used: Antell, O’Hanlon.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
