Shanley eager for more after his ‘amazing’ debut feeling

Hibs striker Ryan Shanley is desperate to be involved against Rangers after making his senior debut against St Mirren.

The 19-year-old impressed during his short time on the pitch after replacing Martin Boy le for the last few minutes at the Simple Digital Arena and is now keen to build on his first taste of Scottish Premiership action when the Ibrox side visit Easter Road on Sunday.

Shanley said: “I’d love to be involved against Rangers next week. It was an amazing feeling making my debut, especially for the club I support. It was amazing; a dream come true.

“I knew I had to kick on in pre -season training if I wanted to make my debut this season, so I’ ve just been working really hard. It’s been really good [being involved].

Hibs head coach Jack Ross explained that the youngster had earned his place in the senior squad after initially joining the first-team group during the summer.

Ross told Hibs TV: “Ryan was involved in the squad on merit as he’s been impressive since pre-season.

“We took him out for a couple of weeks then brought him back in amongst the group for this period.”

The youngster, who had loan spells with Lowland League side Civil S er vice Strollers and League 1 club Forfar Athletic last term, had a half-chance in the dying seconds but opted to lay it off to fellow attack - er Christian Doidge rath - er than seek glory for himself, but his manager was just happy to see him get involved during his time on the pitch.

Ross said :“I really like him; I think he’ s got attributes that could give him a bright future.

“He’s got a lot to learn as well but I was keen to try to get him on the pitch against St Mirren, and it was a big moment for him.

“He’s a Hibs fan, his family are Hibs fans, and I can sometimes get a bit blasé about it in management with these guys, at that age, what it means to them.

“A brilliant day for him, and I’m delighted that he made a contribution on the pitch as well and showed people what he can bring.”