Hibernian 0 - 0 Sunderland: Danny Galbraith eager to get back on track

HIBERNIAN winger Danny Galbraith faced Sunderland in Saturday's friendly and was left thinking of what he had at Manchester United. But he came away from this no-scoring draw doubly determined to finally fulfil his potential at Easter Road.

The 20-year-old had a mini Old Trafford reunion after going face-to-face with Wes Brown, Phil Bardsley and Kieran Richardson at the weekend And even though he enjoyed catching up with his one-time United colleagues, it also served as a stark reminder of their contrasting fortunes. Galbraith returned to Scotland two years ago after an injury-plagued spell in Manchester and is still seeking to launch his career, while those he trained alongside are relishing the riches of English top-flight football. Further niggles and inconsistency have been factors in the youngster's meagre eight SPL starts for Hibs but he's out to make his mark this term.

He said: "Looking at any of Sunderland's players on Saturday, you want to try and get to their level. Obviously I know a few of them from my time at Man U. I was speaking to Wes, I know him to say hello to from being down at Old Trafford. There was also Bardsley and Richardson who were in the reserves at the time, while Wes and John (O'Shea) were in the first-team. Seeing them does remind me what I had at United. It just makes me more determined to make a name for myself at Hibs."

Hibs manager Colin Calderwood used his option to revert to non-competitive football despite being two games into the SPL campaign. However, the clash looks to have proved costly after defender Michael Hart picked up a hip problem and faces a lengthy lay-off while midfielder David Wotherspoon injured an ankle to leave his participation in Wednesday's Scotland Under-21 friendly against Norway in doubt.

Galbraith, who started his career at Hearts, was a regular in the treatment room but he is confident he has the ability to shine. He added: "I feel this is a big season for me and my aim is to get a good run in the team and stay injury-free. I have to nail down a regular spot but to do that I must stay fit. I was young when I came here and I'm only 20 now. But for two seasons I've been in and out of the team. After all the injury problems I had at United, I wanted to come here and get fit - I did that in my first season. Last year I felt I was starting to push on and got a wee run in the team. Now I want to build on that."

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce has spent 24 million this summer and gave most of his new recruits a run out. The best chance of the game fell to Hibs substitute Ross Caldwell but the young striker fired wide after getting a clear sight of goal.