Would Lewis Stevenson make your first XI at Easter Road?

Published on Monday 28 July 2008 10:54

The young midfielder has hardly played under Paatelainen but the Hibs manager has challenged him to make his mark in the coming season

George Mackie, Leith: "Lewis Stevenson is a casualty of the John Collins era abruptly ending. Collins saw something in Lewis and was determined to make him his prodigy in the position available with the sudden departure of Kevin Thomson. Lewis is a good player but his loss of form was dramatic under Mixu and I don't know if he will fit into the team that Mixu is trying to build. I would hope that we can get him playing as well as he played in the CIS final but it's down to the player himself."

Alan Newton, Leith: "I hope the manager is challenging all the players to make their marks, they are professional football players and their aim is to play in the first XI. If they aren't challenging get rid of them as they are bleeding our club, taking a wage and not performing."

Andy Wooten, Leith: "It's not just Lewis Stevenson who hardly gets a look in, we have numerous fringe players who Mixu wants rid off. I think Stevenson and McCann will be punted."

Allison Farrell, Ferniehill: "If I was the manager he would make mine, he is one of a number of players who Mixu doesn't fancy as footballers. Why I don't know."

Jim Hewitt, Newhaven: "If he plays like he did at Murrayfield then no he shouldn't be in the team, then again neither should most of the players who played."

Jon Gracie, Lochend: "It's always hard to take your first season form to the next season, maybe now he's had a rest and taken stock of his situation he will in this coming season be a better football player. He has a talent but it's up to the coaches to make sure he shows this on the football pitch. If he does then Mixu won't have an option, he will have to play him. If he doesn't he will end up like at lot of so-called promising talent, playing for Berwick Rangers or East Stirling."

Amy-Rose Bruce, Craigmillar: "Another young player we had hopes for, now he is not fulfilling his promise. I have watched him in reserve games and along with his colleagues there is an extreme lack of pace about him. I don't know why but unless he improves I can't see Mixu giving him a starting place."

Allan Tennant, Alva: "Yes Lewis would make my first XI, any time he plays he is always looking for the ball, never shirks from a tackle, can pass and for me that is the type of player we want in our team. It also helps that he can double up as a full back. Maybe if more players showed his attitude during games we might have finished higher in the league last year."

Gomez Grant, Sighthill: "I certainly will give Lewis a run in the side, but at left back. He has a good left peg and an engine to get up and down the park."

PJ, Dunfermline: "After his MOTM CIS Cup Final performance you would have thought so. However, he is still relatively young and inexperienced. I don't think it helps his cause that there is little experience in the current Hibs midfield (squad]. I would personally like to see him given an extended run in the team. One thing that he has in his favour is the ability to play left back as well as in midfield."

Roy Nesbitt, Comley Bank: "Good left-sided player but in keeping with all the other Hibs youngsters he is under six foot tall, not any good in today's football. He is still a good player, we witnessed his display in the CIS Cup final but he will have to be more athletic and skilful if he wants a place in Mixu's team."

David Brotherston, Leith: "A good player that is being overlooked for brawn. Mixu's definition of a football player is not what most Hibs fans want to see, Stevenson is a must for the team but unfortunately he doesn't fit the profile that Mixu wants. He will be sold and come back to haunt us."

James Hanlon, Brunstane: "Stevenson would be in my team any day of the week before Kerr. Have to say I'm a bit worried about Paatelainen, his team selection and tactics and some of the young players he has let go already – Keegan Ayre in particular."