Hibs have signed Rudi Molotnikov on a long-term deal after the youngster’s first-team breakthrough.
The 18-year-old has made 15 appearances this season, 10 in the Premiership and five in the Premier Sports Cup, and was a regular starter earlier in the season.
Manager David Gray shown his faith in the attacking midfielder and fans were pleased with what he was showing too.
Molotnikov has fallen out of favour and hasn’t played in seven league games, not even in the matchday squad for the last five, with Gray explaining why his game time has dropped off.
But he is still young and seen as having a big future at Easter Road.
And that’s why the Hibees have tied him down on a new contract.
Hibs confirm new Molotnikov deal
Hibs have announced that Molotnikov has now signed a new four-year-deal as he commits to the club until 2029.
Gray, who has answered questions on Hibs’ transfer plans, is tipping the Scotland under-19s star to continue his development at fulfill his potential at the club.
He told the Hibs website: “I’m delighted that we’ve managed to agree a new long-term contract with Rudi.
“During my time at the Club, I have watched his development closely and I’ve been impressed with his desire to keep learning and working hard every day.
“He wants to push himself all the time and he needs to keep doing that. He has a bright future at Hibs, and we want to help him to reach his full potential.”
Sporting director Malky Mackay added: “Rudi is an exciting young player and is an excellent example of the types of players we’re producing in our Academy set-up.
“We want to be a club that gives talented youngsters a chance and one that produces Academy players for the First Team. We are constantly planning for the future and our first thought is to look within ourselves and at who is coming through our Academy.
“Rudi thoroughly deserves this new deal, and I look forward to seeing how he progresses.”
What David Gray said about Molotnikov recently
Addressing Molotnikov falling out of the team, Gray said: “He’s in the first-team squad, he’s in the dressing room now, he’s around the first team every single day and that’s because of how he adapted right at the start of the season.
“He did really well when he came in and continues to do well in training.
“But we’ve got a lot of competition now in his position; players are getting fitter, and when you find yourself in the position we are, sometimes you need a bit of experience as well. Rudi has dealt with that (not playing much) really well.
“He will 100 per cent come again; he’s still heavily in my thoughts every single week.
“Even when he’s not been playing, he comes into the conversations because of how well he does in training and what he was giving us early in the season and I still believe he’s got a really bright future for us.”