Maloney says he has no concerns about playing Mitchell against former club Hearts in capital derby
Hibs manager Shaun Maloney says he would have no fears about playing Demetri Mitchell in next week’s capital derby, despite the 25-year-old’s two previous stints with Hearts.
With the help of a light-heartedskitonsocialmedia,theleith club have tried to take the heat out of the newcomer’s previous allegiance to city rivals Hearts andmaloneyexpectshibsfans to give the former Blackpool player their backing.
“I don’t have any concerns about him settling in immediately with us in our group,” said Maloney. “He’s really committed so I have no concerns about him playing for Hearts previously and now signing for us for the next two and a half years.
“Demetri’s attributes were something I wanted pretty early after I got here and I am really glad that we got him in so quickly.
“I understand the history between both clubs but I really respect Demetri. He really did push to come here. I wanted him from early on, so honestly I’ve got no concerns.”
And that could see him being throwninagainstheartswhen Robbie Neilson’s third-placed side travel across Edinburgh to contest the postponed New Year derby on Tuesday.
“I’m really game to game but he’ll be available really quickly. As long as that stays the case he’ll be available for the derby match,” said Maloney.
“Again, he’s not trained in the last week so we’ll have to get him to the point where he can start but I’ve got no concerns about him being able to do really well here.
“Our supporters have been very good, so I don’t expect them to be any different with any new player.”