I’m back at square one
ST J’NSTONE v HIBS TEAMSHEET
DARYL HORGAN admits being on Hibs’ new gaffer’s radar at one club doesn’t mean he’s a lock-on to start for his latest.
Paul Heckingbottom last week revealed he was priced out of a move to bring the winger to Barnsley just over two years ago.
Horgan ended up swapping Dundalk for Preston before heading to Easter Road last August and has thrived as the Englishman’s reign got under way with two wins from two.
But the Republic of Ireland international concedes having Heckingbottom on his trail does not mean he can take his place in the side for granted.
Horgan, 26, said: “I think there was something in that, the manager trying to sign me for Barnsley. But at the time it was just the way it went and I ended up at Preston.
“It was the right move at the time but unfortunately we then had a change of manager. It shows you how football can change very quickly.
“I suppose it shows the manager did like me. Hopefully he still does!
“Look, maybe it is good for me. But football changes so much. He may have seen something he liked and that might have changed.
“So I still have to prove myself, show I’m good enough and able to fit into the new system.”
Horgan has scored one and set up three in wins over Raith Rovers, Hamilton and Dundee.
And he admits he’s relishing life under Heckingbottom, who will bid to keep Hibs in the top six at St Johnstone tonight. He BY ALAN MARSHALL said: “‘I’m not big on reading up on stats, to be honest. I just play as well as I can.
“Maybe come the end of the season I’ll look at it but I focus more on how I play in the game.
“We’ve all kind of played well as a team and the position he’s put me in I enjoy playing.
“It’s starting left but drifting a bit, which seems to suit.
“The way we’ve played helps with bodies in the box for crosses, set up to counter. It has been very enjoyable.
“There is obviously room for improvement in a lot of aspects of my game but that will come down the line. I’m enjoying it.
“If I can keep playing, keep chalking up goals and assists then I will be more consistent.
“But it’s been good. Winning helps obviously because everyone is happier. It changes the mood of the whole place, DARNELL JOHNSON could play under Hibs’ new boss for the first time as the full back returns from a ban.
Ryan Gauld (hamstring) and Thomas Agyepong (thigh) sit out with Ryan Porteous and Martin Boyle (both knee). Marvin Bartley is back training after almost a month out but isn’t ready.
Saints’ Michael O’Halloran (hamstring) should return but Brian Easton (groin) continues his comeback with the reserves. Keeper Zander Clark (hamstring) and Drey Wright (knee) remain out. creates confidence. Thankfully it’s going all right and hopefully it continues.”
Hibs, who host a Celtic side now under ex-boss Neil Lennon in a Scottish Cup quarterfinal on Saturday, occupy sixth ahead of Saints courtesy of goal difference.
But Horgan insists the McDiarmid Park clash will not have a huge bearing on the race to finish in the top half.
He said: “I wouldn’t say it is a defining game in the season.
“There are still more than enough games to get into the top six even if this doesn’t go the way we want it to.
“But if we could win and put a few points between us that would be fantastic – and that is the aim. Celtic will come on Saturday but this game is the priority right now.”
While impressing for his club, six- time capped Horgan would love to push back into contention for his country under new boss Mick McCarthy.
Euro 2020 qualifying kicks off against Gibraltar and Georgia next month and Horgan said: “When the manager got the job he called everyone who had been in and around the squad just to say, ‘Look, I’ll keep an eye on you. I’ll be watching. And if you’re playing well you’ll be in’.
“At least I was on the list for the calls – that’s a start any way.
“But there are a lot of lads playing well so I know how difficult it will be. It’s up to me. If I’m playing well I’ll get in.”