Departures won’t affect us going forward, says Newell
JOE NEWELL is adamant the expected turmoil in the Hibernian squad this month will not have an adverse effect on those who remain at Easter Road.
With Scotland cap Ryan Porteous the most significant of those poised to leave, the departures have not so far been eye- catching. Nohan Kenneh’s loan to Ross County may have caught some by surprise but Kevin Dubrowski and Jack Brydon’s exit for Queen of the South and that of Joao Balde to Arbroath will have little effect on the first team.
Yet, even if some more highprofile names are amongst those regarded as surplus to requirements, Newell insists the very rollercoaster nature of football will have ensured that players have been conditioned to accept the hand of fate.
“No, that’s the simple answer,” said Newell when asked if Johnson had spoken to the players he had not identified for the chop. “I don’t think he would have to. If he has a private conversation with someone to tell them they’re not in his plans he doesn’t then need to address the group, that’s their business.
After rebounding from their dispiriting 3- 0 loss to Hearts with
a determined 3- 2 victory over Motherwell last Sunday, the capital outfit still have just three victories - and nine defeats - from their last 12 outings.
“In terms of this week, we’re not going to get carried away,” added the midfielder. “We have beaten Motherwell 3- 2, it’s not like we have gone to Ibrox and won 5- 0. It’s not party season yet, we’ve done our job. We’re not a million miles away [ in terms of performances]. Little things, injuries, decisions, moments of luck prove that. But, in terms of league position, the form we have been in hasn’t been good enough.”
Dundee United midfielder Jamie McGrath is hoping to end the “torture” of being sidelined as he returns to the squad for the trip to Hibernian on Saturday.
The 26- year- old hasnt featured for the Arabs since returning from international duty with Ireland in November last year.
McGrath, a loanee from Championship side Wigan, said: “It is torture not being able to be involved.
“Hopefully I can hit the ground running. I am feeling fit and ready to go.”