Hibs’ Maclaren and Kamberi go double Deutsch
Jamie Maclaren has revealed how he struck up an immediate rapport with strike- partner Florian Kamberi – by chatting to him in German.
The duo have established themselves as a potent attacking duo since their arrivals on loan in January, dovetailing superbly for the Hibees.
And while Kamberi’s English is excellent, Maclaren – who joined the Easter Road outfit from Bundesliga 2 side Darmstadt – made the effort to communicate in a familiar tongue.
The pair have barely looked back since.
Austalian internationalist Maclaren said: “On Flo’s first day I was able to speak a little German with him and we just hit it off, on and off the field.
“It helps that we’ve both played in Germany and know what it takes to play in a two-man system.
“We complement each other, which allows me to make runs in behind as Flo comes short, and vice versa.
“Flo brings the physical aspect and I bring the speed.
“We have formed a good understanding and we create chances for each other.”
Maclaren, meanwhile, insists he has not given up on his World Cup dream despite being agonisingly cut from the last Australia squad.
He was named in Bert van Maarwijk’s first provisional Socceroos’ gathering, but missed out when the group was reduced to 26 for the encounters against Colombia and Norway.
Nevertheless, he still believes he can catch the Dutchman’s eye, particularly with high- profile encounters against Celtic and Rangers to come after the split.
Maclaren, who boasts five full caps, continued: “There’s a massive following for Hibs, Celtic and Rangers in Australia because there are so many Scottish people out there.
“Scoring against Rangers [in February’s 2-1 win] certainly caught the attention of the media back home.
“To get my name in the frame I need to be playing games and maintaining good form.
“I feel I’m up to speed with my fitness, I’m starting games and getting myself into good positions.”