Josh Campbell has revealed a prediction about Hibs striker Rudi Molotnikov came true against Clydebank on Saturday.
Hibs cruised past the non-league outfit to reach the Scottish Cup fifth round where they will face Scott Brown’s Ayr United at Somerset Park.
The in-form Martin Boyle grabbed a brace that was sandwiched in between Molotkinov’s strike at the back post early in the second-half.
It was a great afternoon for the 18-year-old who hasn’t been without his struggles this season, despite scoring two goals in four during the Premier Sports Cup group stage games.
His form tapered off from there and his starting opportunities were limited in the Premiership. An injury also kept Molotnikov sidelined in December, but that coincided with signing a new long-term contract with Hibs.
Josh Campbell’s Molotnikov prediction came true
Manager David Gray believes in the teenager and teammate Josh Campbell is no exception. Campbell knows how it feels to rise through the academy into the first-team and understands how important it is for the Leith side.
In fact, Campbell has so much faith in Molotnikov that he texted the Scotland U19 star the night before Hibs beat Clydebank saying he was going to score.
Campbell told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Bringing young players through is important to this club. Rudi is another example”, Campbell said.
“I actually texted Rudi on Friday night, because I knew he had a chance of playing against Clydebank. I messaged him saying: ‘You’re going to score tomorrow’. So it was funny when he did.
“But we all know he’s got that talent and that raw ability where he can take the football in tight spaces.
“And he’s in the right areas at the right time. It’s nice to see him doing well as well because I’ve been in that position.”
Hibs starlet Lewis Gillie also making early impact
Campbell also touched on young defender Lewis Gillie, who will be hoping to make a similar journey into the first-team like Molotnikov.
16-year-old Gillie impressed last season for Hibs U18s and with that, he was rewarded with his first professional contract in the summer.
Gillie had to wait a few months, but he was eventually handed his senior debut against Clydebank as David Gray introduced him as a substitute in the 72nd minute.
It was a dream come true for Gillie and Campbell was delighted for him. The 24-year-old said: “It’s great to see someone like young Lewis coming in, because I’ve been in that position. Believe me, it means a lot.
“When you’ve got your family and your friends, to have everyone who matters really see you come on the pitch and you cross that white line, it’s a good feeling. It’s a proud feeling as well.
“And I thought he did very well when he came on. Because there is a temptation to play it safe.
“We all applauded young Lewis when he came in the changing room after the game. And his reaction was really funny.
“He went up to the kit man and asked if he could keep his kit from the day. Pedro was like: ‘Aye, of course you can keep it!’ Obviously, it’s going to be special to him forever.
“I’m delighted for him – and I’m delighted he came into a game where we won and got ourselves into the next round of the cup.”