Cadden targeting Scotland recall after Easter Road move

Chris Cadden admits adding to his Scotland appearances is a major motivation after making an impressive start to his Hibernian career.

The former Motherwell player won two caps in the summer of 2018 but spent half of the next season on the sidelines following a knee injury.

The versatile player then had a successful loan spell with Oxford before joining up with Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer but found game time limited in the United States.

The 24-year-old has quickly adapted to life at Easter Road following his January move and has impressed in the right wing-back role.

The position has most recently been occupied for Scotland by Stephen O’donnell and Liam Palmer, but Cadden’s return to regular action could put him in the frame ahead of three World Cup qualifiers later this month.

“It is a motivation,” Cadden said.

“It’s the pinnacle of your career for me and what I have always wanted to do, and I have managed to do it twice over in Peru and Mexico.

“It was a joy for me and it was probably the best moment of my career.

“Scotland has always been an ambition that I have always wanted to do.

“To be able to do it twice has been amazing and hopefully I can do it more.

“I want to play for my country, I think every player should want to do that.”

Hibs head coach Jack Ross has been delighted with Cadden’s impact.

“I have been really, really pleased with him, first of all as a character and a personality,” Ross said ahead of today’s trip to face St Johnstone.

“It was everything I expected from him after the homework we carried out on him.

“But his level of performance has maybe exceeded expectations just because he had a stop-start season last year with Columbus.”

Hibs are looking to consolidate third place in the Scottish Premiership but there is an extra edge to their Perth trip following their 3-0 semi-final defeat against the newly-crowned Betfred Cup winners.