Ryan has passport to the top
Neil Lennon reckons too few British players ply their trade abroad and he’d have loved a crack at it himself.
That’s why he’s full of admiration for Hibs’ latest signing Ryan Gauld, who has arrived on loan from Sporting Lisbon.
The Scot took the plunge in 2014 when he left Dundee United for Portugal in a £3million move.
Now he’s looking to reignite his career at Easter Road and the Hibees gaffer believes the 23-year- old will be a better player for his experience in Portugal.
From their training base in Dubai, Lennon said: “I always liked Ryan because he’s a creative player.
“The kid joined Sporting early in his career. It was a big step but it has been beneficial for him. He has come back a more rounded player, he looks stronger and has filled out a bit.
“To go away and play abroad speaks volumes for him as a person.
“I really admire that. Not enough British players have done it.
“I wish I’d done it in my time but I didn’t get an opportunity when I was at a young age.
“Ryan might take time to adapt again but the way we play will suit him down to the ground.”
Lennon reckons his recruitment this month is critical to helping Hibs push up the table.
He said: “We’re worse off than we were this time last year so we need a good second half of the season.
“We’ve lost too many qual ity players but we’re hoping to have a good window. We’re looking at areas where we need to improve, the lack of goals and creativity.
“We’ll try to get in those type of players.”