Taylor’s heroics can inspire Hibs, says Stockdale

HIBS are desperate to take inspiration from Scottish boxing hero Josh Taylor as they seek to turn around their dreadful form this season. Assistant coach Robbie Stockdale yesterday revealed that Easter Road boss Paul Heckingbottom is keen to bring in the 28-year-old world champion and have him talk to the club’s misfiring players. ‘We have already put the wheels in motion for him to come to the training ground,’ said Stockdale, whose side take on Livingston tomorrow night. ‘We’d love to meet him and have a chat with him. He’s absolutely fantastic and a real inspiration to everybody.’ Taylor is keen to fight for the title of undisputed world super-lightweight champion at Easter Road after taking home the IBF and WBA belts, the Ring Magazine title and Ali Trophy following a memorable win over the previously undefeated Regis Prograis in London on Saturday. Hours earlier, Taylor’s favourite football team limped to a 2-2 draw with Ross County after losing a lead for the fourth game running. Taylor has visited Hibs’ training ground in the past and now they are eager to have him back. ‘Josh is an inspiration, a Hibs fan and I think his dream is to have a fight at Easter Road,’ said Stockdale. ‘If you don’t use things like that as a boost, then you’re foolish. For him to reach the top of his profession, and such a difficult profession as well, is absolutely fantastic. ‘Me and Paul are really looking forward to meeting him. ‘The boys were talking about it and I think a few of them have seen him before. ‘It’s such a tough sport, you need discipline to get to the top. It’s a real inspiration to us. ‘You look at people like that, Andy Murray as well. You have to feed off that.’ Stockdale admits Saturday’s draw with County left him feeling more dejected than ever before in his career. ‘It’s the lowest I’ve felt after a game,’ said the 39-year-old, who is no stranger to tough times, given his six years with a Sunderland side that suffered back-to-back relegations. ‘I’ve been in football a long time. It just felt like a real sucker punch.’