Jamie MacLaren Russia bound

Jamie Maclaren’s impressive form for Hibs during the second half of the season has been rewarded with a trip to Russia after Socceroos coach Bert van Marwijk named him in his final 23-man squad for the World Cup.

It looked as though the striker would miss out, but an injury to Tomi Juric opened up a place and MacLaren did well after coming off the bench during Friday’s comprehensive 4-0 victory over the Czech Republic.

MacLaren arrived in Edinburgh on loan from German club Darmstadt during the January transfer window having originally been linked with Hearts and he quickly formed a strong partnership with Florian Kamberi.

The Aussie soon won the affections of the Hibs fans with a penalty winner at Ibrox which was followed by the second in a two goal victory over city rivals Hearts at Easter Road.

He ended the season with a superb hat-trick against Rangers in the remarkable 5-5 draw.

The Socceroos face France on Saturday 16 June then Denmark five days later. Their final group game is against Peru who beat Scotland in Lima.

MacLaren has informed Darmstadt that he does not want to return to Germany and Hibs’ fans are hoping that he returns to Easter Road next season although the World Cup gives him the chance to put himself in the shop window.