NOT A CAPITAL OFFENCE TO JUMP DYKE
Maloney unfazed by Demi’s Jambos past
BY SHAUN MALONEY reckons the Hibs faithful should have no problem welcoming Demetri Mitchell to the green half of Edinburgh after watching the former Jambo fight for his capital return. The 25-year-old had two stints on loan at Hearts from Manchester United but has now signed up to the Easter Road ranks after quitting Blackpool. There’s still plenty of evidence of Mitchell’s Hearts connections on his social media accounts. But Hibs’ PR team acted sharply to prevent any of that being cast back at the English winger with a tongue-in-cheek Twitter video making light of his Gorgie past. And Maloney – who has dished out a two-and-ahalf-year deal to his new recruit – is in no doubt his maroon loyalties are now firmly a thing of the past after
Mitchell’s big push for his Leith move.
The Easter Road boss said: “Demetri’s attributes were something I wanted pretty early when I got here.
“I was really glad we got him so quickly. For it to happen in this window, I’m really positive about that.
“In terms of his previous [clubs], I’ve got no reservations at all about him playing for Hearts. Our fans have been really, really supportive since I’ve been here.
“I don’t see that being any different with any player.
“Demetri made a big push to come here.” Asked if he feared his signing might come under pressure if he fails to hit the ground running, Maloney added: “It’s a little harsh to presume that, one, he might not start so well, or that might be the reception. I understand it. I respect the history between the two clubs.
“But in terms of Demetri specifically I don’t have any concerns about him settling in immediately with us in our group.”
Mitchell is short of fitness so is unlikely to start away to Motherwell tonight.
And Maloney admits fans shouldn’t expect to see fellow recruit Elias Melkersen, 19, making a major contribution for some time yet either.
The Norwegian striker has finally been granted a work permit but his boss said: “It’s going to be a really slow process with Elias. We’re looking to develop him more over a period of time.
“That’s not a short-term one. We’ll build him up with B team games, then eventually he will become available.”