Hibs announced two development squad signings this week, one of which was the addition of St Johnstone youngster Jack Hodge.
He’s an industrious midfielder who you most likely haven’t heard of yet. If youth performances are anything to go by, Hibs have a future star on their hands.
Hodge is a warrior in the middle of the park. At youth level he has looked head and shoulders above everyone he’s played with. He deserves his big opportunity at Easter Road.
He’ll go into the club’s development team next term. If he develops well, expect a first-team appearance in the not so distant future.
A physically excellent midfielder
Having shone at boys club level, Hodge worked his way up to playing with St Johnstone. He captained the Scotland School Boys team earlier this year during the U18s Centenary Shield. Again he showed he’s destined for big things.
Throughout the tournament he dominated midfield proceedings. Hodge was everywhere on the park, proving to be a real leader for his team. The midfielder won almost everything in the air.
When the ball came to his feet he was able to drive it forward, with very few able to stop him because of the physical presence he carries. His direct attacking play is hard to deal with, his defensive battling is excellent.
Equally good from long-range as he is at lunging into a perfectly timed slide tackle, this is very much Hibs’ gain. St Johnstone will be gutted to lose a promising youngster like Hodge.
As far as the 18-year old goes, the sky’s the limit. If he is able to handle being at a club like Hibs, and develop properly, he could achieve big things. First of all though, he has to make an impression in the development squad.
Expect to see and hear more about this midfielder in the coming years.