McHattie delighted to have the

record of blooding youngsters and a high-profile manager in Terry Butcher.

But on closer inspection, it became apparent this was not such a good idea. Not if the aim of the arrangement was to help Kennedy develop as a footballer. Butcher, it was already clear, was struggling to improve a Hibs team whose failings had already caused the axe to fall on Pat Fenlon. The former England skipper’s formula for arresting the slide seemed based on getting the ball from back to front as quickly as possibly, which meant the midfield was often bypassed completely. This was not deemed suitable for a player such as Kennedy, who Martinez wanted to learn how to play with the ball at his feet and create opportunities for others.

Now Alan Stubbs is in place as manager, Martinez knows the kind of tutoring from which Kennedy will be benefiting. Stubbs, who was the under21 coach at Everton, is one reason why the Goodison Park manager was more comfortable with the idea of Kennedy joining Hibs. “I had the chance to come last year as well but we decided not to come because of what was happening then. They were just kicking the ball up the field,” revealed Kennedy.

“Now Alan has come you can tell it is all about passing and movement. That like: ‘why would you come back up to Scotland, it’s not a very good league?’ But they do not understand how good Scottish football is. And Hibs are a massive club. I really wanted to come when I heard they were interested.”

Of course, Stubbs was a major catalyst in his decision to return to Scotland, where his career had begun in such eye-opening fashion when making his debut for Kilmarnock – in a game against Hibs at Easter Road, coincidentally – at the age of just 16.

Everton angered then Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels when luring Kennedy to England. The youngster had made only 14 first-team appearances for the Rugby Park club before Everton signed him for a six-figure fee, causing Shiels to complain that he had left too soon and had placed his future development in jeopardy.

There are no regrets on Kennedy’s part. Everton, he says, have made him a more mature player, encouraged him to go to college and ensured he grew accustomed to such simple details as saying “please” and “thank you” to staff members at the club. In short, it is where he has done his growing up.

“It was the right move,” he said, bluntly. “I went down there as a kid and now they have made me into a better person as well as a better player. I feel like I am ten times a better player than I would have been if I stayed here.

“I feel like I am more mature,” he added. “That’s obviously going to be the case with my age now as well. They made me go to college. They make you say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ to all the members of staff. They just make you become more mature.”

As for his senior debut at Easter Road, in a 1-1 draw in November 2011. “That was a long time ago,” he shrugged. “I enjoyed the moment.”

“I have never played in a derby before but a lot of my dad’s friends are Hibs fans and growing up here, I know it is a massive game,” he added. “And I know a lot of the boys in the Hearts team from Scotland squads. I keep in contact with them on Twitter. The slagging has not started yet. But I am sure there will be some before and after the game.” KEVIN McHattie does not particularly wish ill on Hibernian, although he is one of those Hearts players who were delighted when the Easter Road side joined them in the Championship this season.

For one thing, it means the leftback can continue his running battle with Alex Harris, the Hibs winger who, although a year younger, has been a regular opponent in recent years. Depending on the personnel choices made by Robbie Neilson and Alan Stubbs, head coach and manager respectively of Hearts and Hibs, then McHattie and Harris could lock horns again tomorrow afternoon at Tynecastle. It is the first lower division Edinburgh derby. Despite this, the fixture still threatens Celtic v Dundee United as being considered the game of the weekend.

“It’s great,” said McHattie, with reference to the fact that the Edinburgh derby will continue to enthral supporters, despite its new, lowlier status. “We get to have the buzz of the derby games again, which everyone loves.” It will be particularly interesting to see how players like McHattie and Harris, who turns 20 later this month, handle the occasion. Although young, they both know what to expect from the fixture, and, perhaps, from each other.

“As young guys we came through the under 19s and 20s and played against each other,” McHattie recalled yesterday. “I always enjoy playing against him but I’ll expect a hard afternoon. Hopefully, we will be able to cope. We are rivals but I am pleased