Jamie set to get it in the ear from his gaffer again
JAMIE McALLISTER expects an ear-bashing from Lee Johnson today – despite the Hibs manager missing their game after an emergency op.
Johnson was discharged from hospital yesterday after surgery to remove his gallbladder and has vowed to return to the dugout as quickly as possible.
The 41-year-old will watch from home but will be in constant contact with assistant McAllister, in charge alongside Adam Owen and David Gray.
McAllister said: “The last time I can remember stepping in was for our last pre-season friendly at Sunderland against Hull.
“The gaffer had Covid. He was linked up via the
phone and at times I needed to take the earpiece out!
“We’ll be constantly linked up. He’s got to be careful with his recovery. The gaffer’s recovery and health are more important.
“But I know what he’s like and he’ll want to be involved in every second and every action. We’ll probably need to have someone there monitoring him and keeping him calm.
“We wish him a speedy recovery and the best remedy is bringing home three points.”
Hibs eventually signed Swindon striker Harry McKirdy plus Manchester United defender Will Fish and Ukraine Under-21 striker Mykola Kukharevych.
While paperwork delays, Kukharevych, Fish will be available today and so too will McKirdy following FIFA approval last night.
McAllister said: “McKirdy has bags of ability. He’s a matchwinner and he’ll definitely excite the fans.
“He’s a character but that’s not a challenge. You should have seen some of the gear he was wearing on Thursday night – it was interesting! I could never pull that off but he can.”