Michael O’Neill and Dean Shiels talk up Hibs to Ryan McGivern

McGivern’s loan deal from Manchester City was completed on transfer deadline day but he had to wait almost a full fortnight before joining his new team-mates as he met up with Northern Ireland as they began their World Cup campaign with matches against Russia and Luxembourg. During his time away with his country, he spoke about all things Hibs with former Easter Road stars Michael O’Neill, now his international boss, and Dean Shiels.

Capped 18 times for his country, McGivern has been loaned out six times following spells with Morecambe, Leicester City, Walsall, Crystal Palace, Bristol City and now Hibs as he’s sought first-team football.

And he’s hoping that his time with Pat Fenlon’s men will prove fruitful. “Both Dean and the manager told me this is a great club, a great city and that I will enjoy it.

“I know Dean was something of a cult hero with the fans and everything he said about the club was really good, that the supporters were fantastic, that the set-up with the training ground and stadium was  terrific, which was good to hear.

“Michael O’Neill still lives in Edinburgh and he told me he gets along to Easter Road when he can. The fact he can come to check on me any time he wants can only be good for my international career.”

McGivern found himself sharing the bench with a trio of 18-year-olds in Ross Caldwell, Sam Stanton and Danny Handling, as he watched Hibs stretch their unbeaten SPL run to five matches with victory over Kilmarnock on Saturday.