HIBS STARLETS SHOULD HOLD FIRE ON MOVES
David Gray has urged his in-demand team-mates not to rush out the Easter Road exit – as another Scottish Cup success may be on the horizon.
The Hibs defender believes the likes of Josh Doig, Ryan Porteous and Ethan Laidlaw can continue to develop in the capital rather than jump ship and risk sitting on the sidelines.
A win over League Two Stranraer would set up a home quarter-final clash and Gray is convinced this campaign can have a silver lining.
He said: “Do I think Hibs can win the cup again? Absolutely.
“We’ve shown we are capable of matching the likes of Celtic and Rangers even if results haven’t always gone our way.
“In last weekend’s 2-1 defeat by Rangers we caused them problems and were a constant threat. We go into these games believing we can win.
“The current squad are good enough. We’ve shown we can compete with any side on our day. The management team are playing young players like Josh, Ryan and Ethan.
“The opportunities are there for all the young players to build their career. As we’ve seen with John McGinn, you can go from Hibs to the heights of the English Premier League.
“John’s a prime example of someone who played well here and got his move down south.
“There’s lots of different ways
■ to do it but the most important thing is the players are happy and work hard. It’s never just given to you. If you stand still in football, everything else will catch up with you. It’s about progressing all the time and thinking what’s best for you.”
Gray moved as a teenager to Manchester United and admits the lure of a dream deal can be too hard to resist, with Laidlaw also being linked with a trial at Old Trafford.
He said: “Sometimes a chance comes up that’s too good to turn down – but the most important thing is you need to play.
“Are you going to get game time? You’ll get more out of it if you’re playing. There are so many variables you need to consider.
“You have to move house, leave your family. I had that challenge as a 16-year-old but was dead-set. I wanted to leave.
“Manchester is only a few hours down the road but I’m a dad now and would find it difficult to allow my children to do that.”
Gray has been on the fringes of the Hibs first team under Jack Ross but could feature today.
He said: “Our goals are always to finish in Europe and win a trophy – and there’s a strong possibility we could do that.
“It will be a difficult game but we know it could be a fantastic season for Hibs.”