Jack Ross says Hibs' out-of-contract stars are playing a risky game as they ponder next move

Happy to have Joe Newell signed on a new deal, Hibs boss Jack Ross says there will be a natural cut-off point in negotiating contract extensions with other key players. But he insists they are all aware of the risks associated with holding out.

Goalkeeper Ofir Marciano has enjoyed a successful spell at Hibs since joining in 2016 but the Israeli international has yet to commit his future to the Easter Road club and negotiations regarding a new deal are ongoing. Photo by Mark Scates / SNS Group

Goalkeeper Ofir Marciano and January signing Jackson Irvine are just two of the players currently free to leave in the summer and while circumstances differ, Ross says that there will come a time when he will have to look for alternatives if fresh terms cannot be agreed.

“In Jackson’s case, when he came in, he just wanted to play and there was always an understanding that he could help us and we could help him and we knew that it was something we would review further down the line.

“In terms of Ofir, players have their own individual situations to consider. Discussions are ongoing but I don’t know how close they are to a resolution and it is always better to get that sooner rather than later, for their sake and ours.

“You have to retain a sense of perspective and remember that any decision is professional not personal and as long as we are all open, they know there will be a tipping point whereby we have to explore other options and that means that the offer may not be there for them any more.

“They understand the risks of not committing but if you keep an open dialogue then when you do reach a point where you have to start looking at alternatives the player will understand if one of those comes to fruition. They can’t have any complaints.”

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