Hibs' Oli Shaw returns to scene of his derby '˜ghost goal'

Oli Shaw hopes the match officials will be on the ball when Scotland Under-21's clash with Andorra as he returns to Tynecastle for the first time since his '˜ghost goal' against Hearts.

The young Hibernian frontman thought he had marked his Edinburgh derby debut last December with an early opener. But referee Steven McLean refused to sanction his strike after it bounced down off Hearts goalkeeper Jon McLaughlin’s crossbar and over the line before spinning back out.

The decision left Easter Road boss Neil Lennon furious, with the Northern Irishman saying after the game: “It was a disgrace. It was daylight over the line. Everyone could see it.”

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But as he returns to the scene of the crime for the first time, 20-year-old Shaw can finally see the funny side as he pleaded for the officials in charge of Thursday night’s showdown with minnows Andorra to keep their eyes peeled.

Scotland Under-21 striker Oli Shaw. Picture: Bruce White/SNSScotland Under-21 striker Oli Shaw. Picture: Bruce White/SNS
Scotland Under-21 striker Oli Shaw. Picture: Bruce White/SNS

“The last time I played at Tynecastle was the time my goal got disallowed,” Shaw said. “I just hope the linesmen are on their game this time. It was one of those moments where I felt it crossed the line – in fact we all know it crossed the line – and I went away celebrating with a few boys.

“I turned around and it had been disallowed. I was just so disappointed as it was my first derby start and would have been my first derby goal.

“I just have to accept that the lino didn’t have a clear view of it, he didn’t see it properly and that’s fair-dos, I just have to get on with it and move on. Hopefully it doesn’t happen this time.”

Shaw hopes to make a major impact on what could be his Under-21s debut as he looks to convince Lennon he is ready to lead the line ahead of Hibs’ first-choice strike duo Florian Kamberi and Jamie Maclaren.

The youngster has fired himself into the manager’s plans with three goals from just six appearances this term

He said: “It’s been a proud moment for me getting my first call up. I’ve worked hard through pre-season to get to this point so I’m obviously delighted to now get my chance. Hopefully it can be a big week for me.

“The gaffer at Hibs always gives you an opportunity and if you’re a striker on form, he’s going to play you. So it’s a matter of taking my chances when they come.

“It doesn’t bother me that Flo and Jamie re-signed during the summer. They have raised the competition but I’m looking forward to playing with them.”