Hibs’ youngster’s international call-up delayed by coronavirus

In sporting terms, Hibs’ striker Jamie Gullan has been hit harder than most due to the suspension of football due to the coronavirus pandemic after his first international appearance was cancelled just as his career was taking off.

Gullan started in Hearts’ youth system but was released before
being snapped up by Hibs.

He was initially loaned to Lowland League side Gala
Fairydean Rovers then Queens Park but continued to play for the Development
side and scored one of the goals as Hibs won the 2017–18 Scottish Youth Cup
final against Aberdeen.

He made his first team debut for Hibernian in July 2018, in
a 2018–19 UEFA Europa League qualifier against Faroese club NSI Runavik.

Neil Lennon recognised his potential and loaned him to Raith
Rovers where he quickly became a fans’ favourite. This season he scored nine
goals and helped the club to the top of the table before returning to his
parent club in January.

He scored his first goal in Hibs’ Scottish Cup quarter-final
victory over Inverness Caledonian Thistle and made his first league start at
Pittodrie against Aberdeen.

His performances caught the eye of Scotland Under-21 manager
Scott Gemmill and he was selected for the squad that were due to face Croatia
and Greece in a 2019-21 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification
double which would have been the 20-year-old’s first international involvement
at any age level.

Gullan was delighted to gain international recognition and told
the club website: “It’s the first call-up I’ve had for Scotland at any age
level, so it came as a real shock It’s a new feeling and in the last few weeks
I’ve had my first start and my first goal to tick off.

“I’ve had three loan spells and played a lot of football for
the Development Squad. It’s come together in the last few weeks, but a lot’s
gone into that along the way.

“Being told I was going to start against Aberdeen was such a
buzz because I thought ‘this is my chance to kick on’. The Scotland news felt
like another landmark moment. Since I came back from my loan at Raith Rovers
it’s been unreal.

“I know this is where I need to get the head down and work
even harder. I won’t get carried away. It’s been brilliant and I’m really
happy, obviously, but my priority is making sure there are a few more firsts to
enjoy.

“The Scotland Under-21 call-up is one that I didn’t expect
so it’s given me a wee confidence boost. All I look to do is work hard, try to
improve and see where it takes me.”

Hibs’ Head Coach Jack Ross added: “What he’s done this
season to date has been really good.

“I want him to push to be part of our first team between now
and the end of the season.

“He’s ticked every box, hence the reason why he’s put
himself so much into our thoughts.

“There are no guarantees in football but he’s probably in a
good frame of mind that he believes he can play and score in first team
football.”