Loan star Allan has heart set on Hibees’ return
Scott Allan believes his Championship loan spell has banished concerns about his cardio condition – and knocked doubts about his future firmly on the head.
The aim now is to prove he can still be the beating heart of the Hibs midfield.
The former Celtic and West Brom attacker felt he proved a point to his doubters by producing some outstanding displays for Caley Thistle after stepping away from the Easter Road fringes.
More than that, he felt he proved a point to himself.
Last August, the 29-year-old was diagnosed with a rare and worrying condition called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which had left him feeling tired in matches and suffering dizzy spells.
The type 1 diabetic endured five months out of the game before returning, mostly as a substitute under Jack Ross.
He admits he “took a gamble” stepping away from Hibs to lead Neil McCann’s tilt at the Premiership play-offs.
He leaves the Highlands having recaptured his zest and form.
Allan said: “Looking to next season, this loan spell was just absolutely invaluable to me.
“That’s eight games now, including two against Premiership sides in the Scottish Cup.
“I didn’t look as if I was struggling. In fact, I can complete 90 minutes quite easily now, which I haven’t been able to say for a long time – even before I had the news last year.
“For me, I’m starting to feel like my true self again.
“I feel like the things I’m good at are starting to come back – the passes, touches and, most importantly, completing 90 minutes.
“I’ve played every game since I’ve been here. I’m very grateful to the club for taking me here and to Neil McCann for playing me, obviously.
“It was a wee gamble, as people might have seen it, but I knew I got the chance I’d prove to people that I’m still ready to go.”
Whispers of being finished in the game never bothered Allan, but did motivate him.
He stressed: “I have proved a point to myself, too, in terms of knowing the levels I can get back to.
“People will have seen a lot of hard work in me as well at Inverness, which they don’t always associate with my game.
“It has been about being a real team player and working really hard every day for all the terrific boys here.
“I just think it is going to be invaluable for me, moving forward, standing me in good stead for the Premiership next season”