Jamie MacLaren was surprised but delighted to learn that Australian team-mate Mark Milligan will be joining him at Easter Road.
Both were part of the Socceroos World Cup squad in Russia and whilst MacLaren didn’t get any game time, Milligan played in all three of Australia’s matches.
Neil Lennon has acted quickly to fill the void left by the departing John McGinn and whilst he is a completely different type of player, MacLaren is convinced that Milligan’s experience will be a valuable factor in Hibs season.
Speaking after Hibs Betfred Cup victory over Ross County, MacLaren said: “I was a bit surprised we actually captured him (Mark Milligan). He is an experienced player who has been at four World Cups with Australia. He will bring a lot of quality to the side.
“Millsy is someone who is very versatile, whether he is playing in midfield as a No.6, a centre-back or even at right-back which he did in his younger days. He will bring leadership as well.
“He’s a top leader and he has captained Australia before. He still has a burning ambition to play in Europe. Unfortunately, with his visa he hasn’t been able to do that.
“He has been around a few teams in Asia and has had a fantastic career.
“In the last month we have spoken quite a bit. I’ve told him the positives and I’ve told him not too many negatives. That’s going off my experience since I have been here. I have not had too many negatives.
“That’s a great thing for me to pass on to him but he’s experienced. He doesn’t need a 25-year-old to tell him what to do. He’s seen the success we had last season and wants to be a part of that this year.
“I have told him about the club. I said, ‘It’s a big club mate, believe me. You will enjoy the city’. For him, it was about his family enjoying life and coming over
“I told him that the standard is quality He wants to be a part of something successful. That’s what we’re building here.
“Aussies like to think we’re humble but he’s someone who has had such a great career in terms of Australia and the things he has done in Asia. You don’t get 71 caps if you are not a good player.
“He has been around the national team for almost 15 years. He’s a fantastic player and also a great person.
“If the gaffer needs him one day he will be able to rely on him because he is such a leader out there. He will bring a wealth of experience.”
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.
