David Gray has urged Hibs starlets like Ethan Laidlaw to have a big think about their futures as the likes of Manchester United come calling.
The teenager has been linked with Manchester United in recent weeks and the Red Devils want to take him on trial before the end of the year. They hope to beat the likes of Leeds United to his services, Marcelo Bielsa’s side already taking him on trial earlier this year.
Leeds United and Manchester United are after Laidlaw. (Photo by Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Gray moved to Manchester United as a teenager and has witnessed young Hibees academy products like Josh Doig and Ryan Porteous also linked with big moves south. But Gray says they should follow the example of former Hibee and Aston Villa star John McGinn – by making sure they move at the right time.
He said (Sunday Mail): “The current squad are good enough. We’ve shown we can compete with any side on our day. The management team are playing young players like Josh, Ryan and Ethan. The opportunities are there for all the young players to build their career.
“As we’ve seen with John McGinn, you can go from Hibs to the heights of the English Premier League. John’s a prime example of someone who played well here and got his move down south. There’s lots of different ways to do it but the most important thing is the players are happy and work hard. It’s never just given to you.
Gray has urged thought. (photo by David Young/Action Plus via Getty Images)
“If you stand still in football, everything else will catch up with you. It’s about progressing all the time and thinking what’s best for you. Sometimes a chance comes up that’s too good to turn down – but the most important thing is you need to play. Are you going to get game time? You’ll get more out of it if you’re playing.
“There are so many variables you need to consider. You have to move house, leave your family. I had that challenge as a 16-year-old but was dead-set. I wanted to leave. Manchester is only a few hours down the road but I’m a dad now and would find it difficult to allow my children to do that.”
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