Hibs’ boss Terry Butcher is delighted to add Arsenal defender Daniel Boateng to his squad ahead of Saturday’s Scottish Cup tie against Raith Rovers at Easter Road.
Speaking at the weekly press conference at the club’s training centre, Butcher said: “He’s a big boy, a powerful lad, good on the ball, got good strength and he is a solid defender. Anyone who can get on Arsenal’s bench is quality. We spoke to a few people down there and they were quite amazed that we got him because a lot of clubs in League One and League Two had wanted him as well, but I think being an ex-England captain helped a bit in the process as well, although these boys weren’t born when I played so it’s not like they have memories of watching me play but they probably do Google me. I think it does help to a certain extent and I do think it has a bit of a bearing!”
Butcher also revealed that the youngster was surprised at the intensity of his first training session at East Mains, but he is confident that he will adapt to the change of surroundings.
He continued: “Even the smallest guy was getting weighed in but they just do that. We demand that from them. I think he was surprised.
“It’s ever so difficult when you take young lads from down south, particularly Premier League players who haven’t been on loan or tasted life outside the capital or their club, and then you give them a taste of life outside their country, it’s a big step into the unknown. I think at the moment they are just like ‘wow!’ but I’ve said to them it’s not like Arsenal now or Tottenham or Chelsea, it’s not your Premier League Under-21, this is rough and tumble, blood and snotters, all that kind of thing. Although I’m not sure Daniel understood the word snotters but I’m sure he will learn the lingo!”
Photo by John Preece
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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.
