Hibs give Juniors ace shot at glory

Published on Friday 16 May 2008 10:32

HIBS are monitoring the progress of Newtongrange Star winger Joe Dunbar as they continue to put plans in place for next season.

The 24-year-old spent a few days on trial with the Easter Road outfit at their East Mains training centre recently and impressed sufficiently for boss Mixu Paatelainen to decide to watch him in a competitive match.

The Finn was at Linlithgow Rose's Prestonfield ground earlier this week and saw Dunbar complete 90 minutes as his Star side went down 2-1 to Rose in the quarter-finals of a junior cup tie.

Dunbar, signed from Bonnyrigg Rose's under-21s, is a pacey right winger who has been a revelation in the junior game over the last couple of seasons although a move to the senior ranks would be a significant step up. He was on trial with Dunfermline Athletic earlier this month and featured in a reserve match for them while the Evening News understands that Raith Rovers are one of a number of other senior clubs monitoring his performances.

Although Paatelainen stressed that no deal was imminent and he was continuing to look at other options, he said: "Joe trained with us for a week a couple of months ago and did well so I went to see how he played for his own club.

"I went to watch the game out of interest. They are two very good junior sides."

Newtongrange boss Graeme Armstrong said: "There are a number of clubs sniffing around Joe. I would love to see him go senior but I'm in no hurry to sell him. Joe has all the athleticism and skill to play senior football but he needs to develop the mentality and hunger you need to be a senior player."

Meanwhile, the Evening News can reveal that Hibs will face Middlesbrough at Easter Road for a second consecutive pre-season.

Gareth Southgate's men will travel north on Saturday, August 2 meaning Hibs will face English Premier League opposition twice in just a matter of days with Wigan Athletic visiting the Capital the following Tuesday.

Hibs beat Boro 1-0 last August in a competitive warm-up game and supporters will be hoping for more of the same in what is turning out to be an attractive pre-season card.

Stewart Downing, Turkish star Tuncay and Luke Young will be among the stars the Riverside outfit take to Easter Road for the clash.

Paatelainen said: "I'm looking forward to the game and we now have two very touch matches against British opposition before the season starts which is good.

"They will be good preparations. They have a lot of good players."