One of the most intriguing games of last weekend was Hibs’s 2-2 draw with St Johnstone. The Easter Road side dropped two points by conceding a late equaliser.
However, that wasn’t the biggest story. That was to do with mercurial Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan. Allan was substituted by Paul Heckingbottom after only 61 minutes, in a move which didn’t go down well with the Hibs support.
Had Hibs held on for the win, then Heckingbottom could have said that the move was a gamble that paid off. It didn’t though, as Hibs continued their so-so start to the season.
(Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)
Heckingbottom defended his decision after the game. “I didn’t know there was a law against taking him off” he said, as reported by Edinburgh Live.
“I’ll probably take him off again”
“We all know what a good player Scott is, and we all know he’s a fans’ favourite but I’ll probably take him off again before the end of the season” he concluded.
(Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
Getting the best out of Allan will be key to Hibs’ season though. They are a far better team when he is on form. He scored for the Easter Road side in their only league win so far this season, the 1-0 victory over St Mirren on the opening day.
Will he play 90 minutes in next fixture?
It will be interesting to see if Allan plays the entire 90 minutes of the upcoming league fixture against Motherwell. Perhaps Heckingbottom will take him off again during the game in order to prove a point.
(photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
That might not be the best idea though. It could end up just annoying the Hibs fans once more. When it comes down to it, the manager’s decision is final, even if fans don’t always agree with it.
That is especially true when it comes to a player like Allan, who is arguably Hibs’ most talented player. The performances of Allan could make or break Hibernian’s season.
Heckingbottom has to get the best out of the player. If he does, he could lead Hibs to a successful season.