IT’S GOOD TO BE BACK OME
HIBS v HAMILTON Steph is delighted to return to Hibees
STEPHANE OMEONGA insists leaving Italian outfit Cosenza in a rage and being targeted by social media abuse was worth it after sealing a return to Hibs.
The former Belgium Under-21 international had been on the verge of joining the Serie B side last Thursday following a poor temporary stint back in his homeland with Cercle Bruges.
But a phone call from Hibees sporting director Graeme Mathie just minutes before he met Cosenza officials for faceto-face talks immediately led to a dramatic late change of heart.
And just 24 hours later Hibs – who were rocked last night with the news Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous are set to be sidelined for a “significant period of time” after both sustained serious knee injuries over the
BY ALAN MARSHALL weekend – were thrilled to announce the return of the Genoa player on loan for the rest of the campaign.
But the 23-year-old, who became a firm fans’ favourite in making 17 appearances at the Leith side during the second half of last term, admits Cosenza were furious over his U-turn.
Omeonga said: “I was at the club in Italy and I was so close to signing for them – they were pushing me to sign.
“I couldn’t have been happier when Graeme Mathie called me.
“I had to wait for a while and I was nervous in case the move didn’t happen.
“When I told them I had changed my mind and was going to Hibs they were pretty angry.
“People were saying bad things about me on social media and stuff but that’s just football.”
Omeonga, who could feature
HIBS are running the rule over Estonian midfielder Mikhel Ainsalu.
The 23-year-old has been training with the Hibees at East Mains this week as Jack Ross ponders how to further strengthen his midfield.
Ainsalu, who has seven caps, would offer a physical presence. in this evening’s Premiership visit of Hamilton after red tape prevented him from playing in Sunday’s Scottish Cup stalemate at Dundee United, was disappointed a return to the Edinburgh club failed to materialise last summer after being forced to head back to his homeland instead.
The Liege-born player ended up making three appearances during the first half of the campaign with Cercle.
He said: “My biggest regret is that last summer I wasn’t able to come back here.
“When you get a second chance you have to take it.
“In the summer I never really got a say in what was happening with me. Genoa decided to send me to Cercle Bruges in Belgium.
“The sporting director wanted me there but the coach wasn’t as happy I was there. In the Belgian league you need to have six players from the country in your team and I got the feeling I was there just to make up the numbers.”
Omeonga’s loan deal runs until the end of the season and with parent club Genoa fighting for survival in Italy’s top flight, the former Anderlecht trainee is desperate to remain with Hibs for the foreseeable future.
He said: “I want to settle down at this club. People gave me a lot of love when I was here last season and that was the first time I’ve had that in my career.”
Hibs have appointed Dean Gibson as their new women’s team head coach. He replaces Grant Scott who resigned at the end of last season.