Being in good kompany helped set hi bee lo a nee Rocky on the right road
The defender who grew up being compared to Vincent Kompany believes he’s in good company as he progresses his career in Scotland.
Rocky Bushiri is loving life with Hibs, and doesn’t rule out making his loan spell from Norwich City a permanent move at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old Belgian is following the same path as fellow countrymen Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denyer.
They both prospered after coming to the Premiership from Manchester City and spending time with Celtic – the team Bushiri will be facing at Easter Road this afternoon.
Boyata now plays with Hertha Berlin, while Denyer stars for French side, Lyon.
Bushiri says their success in Scotland reassured him that coming north was a wise move.
He said: “I spoke with Boyata’s dad because he is close with my dad and my uncle.
“This is a really good league, especially for a defender.
“You are in difficult situations, and you will improve with the games you play. The motivation to have clean sheets always make you feel better.
“In Belgium, we want a clean sheet but in the UK it is different. Before you start a game, no matter what, it is clean sheet first.
“That’s very good, and they did well at Celtic. I hope I can help Hibs as much as I can and give my best.”
The art of defending was seen at its best when Vincent Kompany led Manchester City to four Premier League titles during nine years in England.
He’s the man Bushiri grew up idolising, and he relished being weighed up against the former Belgium skipper.
“When I was playing youth football, they compared me to him because of my physicality,” he said.
“I had no fear. At youth team level, I was captain of most of my teams and he was my model.
“That’s not pressure, that’s just a positive.
“When I was with the Under-21s and he was with the national team, we would see one another and have a chat.
“But mostly I was talking with Romelu Lukaku because I used to be at Oostende with his brother.
“Being compared with Kompany is a great motivation for me.”
Bushiri feels better placed to take on Celtic than when he made his Hibs’ debut against the Hoops in a 2-0 defeat on January 17.
He said: “The last Celtic game was my first professional game for 10 months, so obviously I’m now in a better position.
“You can’t go from 0-to-100 straight away. It’s about progress for me after my injuries and not having game time.
“It’s getting better game by game. “Things are going well and we have had two wins in a row, so I feel more positive.”
There’s no doubt that many players would see leaving an English Premier League side to spend time in Scotland as taking a step back to move forward.
Bushiri, however, is not someone who sees it that way, and is enthusiastic when asked if he might still be with Hibs next term.
He added: “Why not? The future is for the future. I’m doing well right now and I’m really happy here.
“I’m here with the option as well. If at the end of the season we all agree on something, then there’s going to be a decision.
“I don’t call it a step back because I was at a Premier League team but not playing any games in the Premier League.
“I just want stability again – playing games and looking forward.”
The influence of Hibs manager, Shaun Maloney, is another plus for Bushiri.
He said: “I’ve been at a few clubs in my young career, and he’s one of the best. He wants me to do better and will be on me in training for the little details that people from outside won’t see during a game.
“He’s so much into details, and these small details make the difference.”