Hibs midfielder Liam Craig has spoken of his pride at being named as the new captain of the side, particularly since the man who gave him the job knows more than most what qualities are required, having skippered both England and Rangers in his playing career.
This is not the first time that Craig has had the role, having captained the Ipswich Town youth team to the prestigious FA Youth Cup victory over a strong Southampton side which contained Premier League stars Theo Walcott and Adam Lallana and a certain Gareth Bale on the bench.
Speaking at the club’s training centre, Craig said: “I’m still undefeated as captain and long may that continue. It’s a great honour to captain Hibs and the two games so far have been away so we are looking forward to getting back to Easter Road. It’s about bringing the form we’ve shown in the last two games back to Easter Road. It’s a great squad to be involved in and being captain is special. It always helps when you are undefeated. Terry Butcher has captained Rangers and England and if he recognises captain qualities in me then that’s a massive confidence boost for me.”
The Borderer also dispelled a myth that has been circulating since he left Falkirk for St Johnstone, a move that caused speculation of a rift between himself and former Hibs manager John ‘Yogi’ Hughes who was yesterday named as the new manager of Inverness Caledonian Thistle. He continued: “A lot of people thought I had a fall out with Yogi when I left Falkirk but that’s not the case. I’m not silly enough to fall out with Yogi. He was great for my career. He gave me my first professional contract and, whenever I see him now, I got on great with him. It’s great news he’s back in the game.”
Craig will lead Hibs out for the first time at Easter Road on Saturday against Partick Thistle.
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.
