When it comes to the Crunch, Deek will be fine going back

Published on Saturday 6 September 2008 10:35

IN football, it is often said that you should never go back. Former Hibs star Kevin McAllister did – to Falkirk – and is backing Derek Riordan to cope with any added expectations surrounding his second stint at Easter Road.

The history books are littered with players who, over the years, have failed to replicate the kind of form that made them a favourite with supporters upon returning to a club for a second spell.

Expectation levels among the Leith outfit's fanbase are high with boyhood Hibs fan Riordan viewed by many as the answer to the club's goalscoring difficulties so far this term.

With that expectation, though, comes an added burden on the shoulders of Riordan, who will be looking to rediscover the kind of form that saw him smash 64 goals for Hibs last time round.

The Scotland internationalist – he has one cap to his name thus far – was frozen out at Celtic following his move to Glasgow, but McAllister, who knows all about returning to a club where you are idolised, believes the 25-year-old has the talent to ensure he is a success.

"There is going to be a bit extra pressure on Derek but he has too much talent for things not to work," said the 45-year-old, who enjoyed four separate spells at Brockville, having the left the club to try his luck with both Chelsea and Hibs.

"He has set a high standard because of the way he played first time round but I'm sure he can recapture that kind of form. Things didn't work out for him at Celtic but he's a talented player with an eye for a goal.

"It is said by people within the game that you shouldn't go back and the pressure will be on him, but he has the ability so it won't worry him.

"When I went back to Falkirk after being at Hibs it never really crossed my mind that things might not work out that time round and in the end I enjoyed my time at the club.

"It felt like the right move to make and it turned out that way. If you still have the ability and desire then there is absolutely no reason why you shouldn't be a success again.

"A lot of times when things don't work out it's because they have gone back to a club when they are in the twilight of their careers and that isn't the case with Derek."

Riordan's capture, along with that of Sol Bamba from Dunfermline on Monday, just hours before the transfer window closed, appeased the club's supporters who were desperate to see boss Mixu Paatelainen bolster his squad.

There had been murmurings of discontent from the Easter Road stands after an indifferent start to the campaign which has included three defeats in their opening five domestic matches.

But McAllister, who was named Falkirk's Player of the Century by the clubs fans, believes that the signing of a talismanic player like Riordan will help lift the club and ensure the supporters play their part in getting the team back on track.

"I think he's going to be a great signing for Hibs and he'll give everyone a huge lift after some disappointing results so far this season," McAllister said.

"Derek is a Hibs fans so the supporters will identify with that. They were desperate to see new faces brought in as it would have been a long time until January with the same squad.

"Derek is the sort of player that fans, and even his team-mates, will look to in order to produce a bit of magic that can win a game.

"He's the sort of player that will excite people.

"The results so far haven't been great but the team have been creating chances and you would expect him to score a few of them when they come his way.

"I know that he hasn't played for a while but I wouldn't bet against him getting the first goal of the game when he finally makes his debut for Hibs.

"If that happens then I'm sure you will see everyone get a real boost and results and performances will really kick-on from there.

"I'm sure I'm like the Hibs fans – I can't wait to see him pulling that jersey back on again."