The Betfred Cup, and competitive football in Scotland, is back this weekend. NTOF have decided to take a look at three young players that could have an impact on their club’s upcoming campaign. First up are Hibs.
The Hibees will be looking to build on a fifth placed Premiership finish and will hope for a better cup competition showing. With several new faces at Easter Road, Paul Heckingbottom seems to be stamping his authority on the playing squad.
If they can replicate their end of season showing from the get go, it could be a great season for Hibernian. Just as well there’s a few youngsters he can look to rely on in green and white.
Sean Mackie (Left back)
Just 20 years old, young left back Sean Mackie got his first taste of Premiership football at Hibs last season. Despite signing a new three year deal, his task is probably the trickiest out the three youngsters mentioned, replacing club stalwart Lewis Stevenson.
Mackie could be Hibs’ answer to the left back position long-term. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Stevenson is a club legend and the only Hibs player to have lifted both the League Cup and Scottish Cup. With him currently being out injured, Mackie must make the most of his opportunity and look to make the left back spot his own.
Ryan Porteous (Centre back)
Hibs’ best young player when fit and available, young Ryan Porteous has gone through injury woes of his own. The youngster managed to make the most of a loan spell at Edinburgh City to get a taste of professional football at just 17.
Nobody seems to faze Hibs’ young colossus. (Photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
With the Hibees recruiting Tom James and Adam Jackson this summer in defence, Porteous’ task got even trickier for first team minutes.
Hopefully back from his injury soon, he’ll also have to contest for minutes with some of the old guard such as Paul Hanlon and Darren McGregor.
Oli Shaw (Striker)
Old Shaw is yet another youngster who faces a tricky task to gain first-team action following new arrivals. Marc McNulty may have departed Easter Road but Christian Doidge will look to fill that void as the Hibees’ new number nine.
His task is Shaw-ly going to get trickier. (photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Also facing competition from Florian Kamberi, the Swiss striker is another who won’t make it easy for Oli Shaw to fully enter the first-team fray. Both must ensure they work hard now they face competition from the previously mentioned Doidge.