Jasper prepared for cup clash after taking on City’s galaxy of stars
SYLVESTER JASPER is looking forward to continuing his Scottish Cup journey when Hibernian visit Motherwell today.
Despite the importance of the quarter-final tie, the on-loan Fulham forward is unlikely to learn as much as he did when he made his maiden senior appearance in the FA Cup against Manchester City for his parent club.
Raheem Sterling, Riyad Mahrez, and Phil Foden were among those in opposition as Pep Guardiola’s side cantered to a 4-0 victory in January 2020.
Jasper, now 20, was proud to make his first start and insists the footballing masterclass delivered by City is still something he reflects on.
“It was crazy, man,” said the skilful Jasper, who has made an encouraging start to life at Easter Road after joining in January.
“When I found out I was in the squad, I was just happy to be a part of it. Then you get there and see players who are in video games or that you watch on TV all the time.
“So to share a pitch with them was special. At the start it was surreal but afterwards I was focused on the job at hand and I felt that I did all right. “Games like that show you the level so you can compare where you’re at and where you need to get to.
“It lets you see what you need to do to get there so it is good for young players to experience that. “Just seeing the standard. These are the best players in the world and it is good to see the sharpness, the movement on and off the ball, all the things you can’t see on TV.
“It gives you a different perspective and means that on a one to one you can take it in.
“The way they move with and without the ball, it’s crazy because you don’t really see it properly on TV.”
Hibs have the option to sign Jasper on permanent terms this summer and the way he has been going about his business suggests the Leith side are likely to invoke that clause.
The playmaker has certainly enjoyed himself, even though Shaun Maloney’s side have only won one game in their last 10 league outings.
“Am I getting what I hoped for from this loan? Yes 100 per cent. I’m not getting the game time given to me, I feel I’ve had to earn it through my performances on and off the pitch.
“I’ve been playing week in, week out and I’m enjoying the way I’m playing. I’ve had a few conversations with the coaches, trying to pick their brains to see what I can do to score more.
“At the moment, I’ve just not got that goal. I’ve got chances and stuff but now the focus is to be ruthless in front of goal.
“I’m enjoying being here right now. I like the fans, the staff, the players. Everyone has made me feel very welcome.
“At the end of the day, it isn’t really in my hands. I will have to wait for Hibs and Fulham to decide on my future.”