Marshall vows to help Hibs replace rivals as No.3 force in Premiership
DAVID MARSHALL aims to help Hibernian establish themselves as the third best team in Scotland and make an impact in Europe after agreeing a twoyear deal with the club.
The Scotland internationalist has returned to the cinch Premiership for the first time since leaving Celtic in 2007 and becomes new manager Lee Johnson’s first signing since his appointment last week.
Marshall was identified as a summer signing by Johnson’s predecessor Shaun Maloney, who he played alongside at both Celtic and Hull City. But the 37-year-old, named in Steve Clarke’s Scotland squad for the forthcoming World Cup play-off push and Nations League ties, insists he is excited to have completed the move with Johnson at the helm.
The former Norwich City, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic No.1 is fully aware of Hibs’ disappointments in finishing outside the top-six this season but is convinced they can aim high next term. He said: “Ultimately, Hibs should be looking to be the third best team in the country. That’s a necessity, really.
“With the European Conference League now, I think European football has got to be a minimum aim for the club, as well as competing in the cup competitions. That’s a normal aim, and should always be our aim. Then, we can see how we start the season and and go from there.
“We know it’s been a disappointing season and we know there’s a hell of a lot of hard work to get there. But there’s no reason why we can’t do that. For me, anyway, the first couple of days in the building, it lends itself to being successful and being a strong top-six side, battling for Europe every year.”
Having spent the last 15 years in English football, Marshall and Johnson’s paths have crossed on a number of occasions. And having spoken at length with the new Easter Road manager, he believes Hibs can look ahead to next term with confidence.
He added: “There’s an excitement building with the new manager being announced and I’m just delighted to be a part of that, and hopefully that can lead to success next season.
“I’ve played against his teams a hell of a lot, so I know his
teams pretty well. It’s exciting times. The manager’s got a lot of experience down south and did particularly well with Bristol City. Everyone can look forward to it and I’m sure we can put last season’s disappointments firmly behind us.”
A hamstring injury curtailed Marshall’s campaign after he moved to QPR in January because of a lack of game-time at Derby County, where he was frozen out by Wayne Rooney this season. But, with Hearts and Scotland rival Craig Gordon and Rangers’ Allan McGregor prime examples, he is determined to prove with Hibs that he still has plenty of life left in his career.
He said: “Those two guys have been great but you just have to focus on yourself. I was in a good run of form but injury put an end to my season. So, I’ll be looking to get back to that as quickly as possible.
“A lot is made of age sometimes but across a number of sports you’re seeing older athletes go a bit longer at the top end. Hopefully I can be the same as that and play well for the club.”
Meanwhile, Hibs have snapped up Leeds United youngster Nohan Kenneh on a three-year deal. The 19-yearold’s arrival has been branded a “real coup” by Johnson.
Kenneh was born in war-torn Liberia but moved to England at the age of seven and progressed through the Leeds Academy, winning international recognition with England Under-16 and Under-17.
A defensive midfielder and central defender, the teenager has been on the fringes of the Leeds first-team and Johnson is hopeful he can fulfil his potential at Easter Road.