David Gray has explained why he signed Kwon Hyeok-kyu on loan from Celtic to further reinforce his squad.
The Hibees had made eight signings prior to Kwon’s arrival from Parkhead this week with new boss Gray keen to mark his own stamp on the team.
South Korean central midfielder Kwon was brought to the Scottish Premiership by Brendan Rodgers last summer on a five-year deal but his time here hasn’t gone to plan.
He didn’t even make a league appearance for Celtic across the first-half of the 2023/24 campaign before St Mirren took him on loan for the rest of the season.
Kwon made nine appearances for the Buddies as he helped them secure a top-six spot in the league and thus Europa Conference League football.
But he returned to Celtic and it was clear he wasn’t in Rodgers’ long-term plans for the Hoops. That’s when Hibs boss Gray stepped in and offered him a chance to impress at Easter Road.
Hibs boss Gray details Kwon qualities
Gray spoke to the press on Wednesday ahead of Hibs’ Premier Sports Cup last 16 clash away to Celtic at the weekend and was asked straight off the bat about the decision to sign Kwon.
Gray responded: “We’re seeing it straight away, over the last two days on the grass, he (Kwon) has got real good quality and technical ability but also his physicality as well.
“He is a really good athlete, covers the ground well and someone I was really impressed with when he was at St Mirren last season, I spoke to a number of people about him and they had glowing references for him and I’ve seen that for myself straight away.
“So he is someone we are delighted to bring in and I am delighted with how he has started.
“Straight away he can’t play at the weekend but what I’ve touched on is, I’ve always been quite strong on people who I think makes us better and makes the group better.
“I’ve already touched on the character that he is and the references on that so you are able to do a lot of your homework. I’ve seen us play against him last season and I thought he was excellent against us.
“And ideally you’d like your own players, of course, but at the same time there’s not always the option to do that. There was opportunity to bring him here and we’re delighted with it.”