Keeper Marciano concerned for future after losing place
FIGHT FOR NO.1 JERSEY
OFIR MARCIANO has admitted he fears for his future at Hibs after falling out of favour.
The Israeli keeper has been benched by manager Paul Heckingbottom for the last four games.
Summer signing Chris Marshall was handed the gloves to face Hearts, Kilmarnock, Celtic and Aberdeen.
Marciano, 30, is under contract at Easter Road until June 2021 and has vowed to battle for his place.
He said: “I have a contract for another year after this season but it’s impossible to know if I’ll leave.
“I live in the moment, I’m training hard and working hard too.
“I am still under contract at Hibs, so I’d rather not get into it too much. I believe in myself but if the team chooses to get rid of me, then fine.
“I’m a professional, and I’ll be a professional until the end.”
Marciano helped Israel to a 3-1 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Latvia in the international break, and has made 96 appearances for Hibees since joining in 2016.
He added: “I haven’t played in the last few games but it was for professional reasons.
“Before that I was playing regularly and playing well. I love Hibs and the fans, and I will do everything as long as I am there – whether I am playing or not.”
Meanwhile, former Hibee Brian Rice is loving looking down on his old club – and plans to keep it that way this weekend.
Rice’s Hamilton side host Hibs as the Premiership resumes on Saturday.
The Accies boss – an Easter Road player for five years and also No.2 to John BY ALAN MARSHALL Hughes – said: “Saturday, whoever wins, will be a massive three points. The aim is always to have at least one team below you.
“Before we start on Saturday Hibs are below us and my job on Saturday is to keep Hibs below us.
“There’s always pressure at Hibs and Hearts. They always feel they should be competing with the Glasgow teams.
“They’ve been to a few cup finals and take a massive support who expect success.”
Rice has had a fortnight to stew on Hamilton’s 5-0 thumping at Ibrox last time out – but he’s put the time off to good use and is expecting his men to bounce back.
He said: “I don’t normally like the breaks but I felt it was beneficial this time.
“The lads had a couple of days off, have come back refreshed and full of energy and enthusiasm, and have trained really well.
“We’ve been in the games. I’m delighted with what I’m getting from the boys and we’re striving for more.”
Rice spent the international break taking in games and was thrilled to see defender Jamie Hamilton doing the business with the Scotland Under-19s.
He helped them beat Andorra and Germany, and his club boss said: “He’ll make mistakes. He’s a kid.
“But they are honest mistakes. There’s no doubt he’s a real player.
“He’s come back this season and kicked on again. He’s a right young one but you’ve no qualms about throwing him in, he flourished at
Ibrox.”