Hibs boss makes Kurt reply over starlet Byrne

MIXU PAATELAINEN today refused to be dragged into a war of words with the father of kid striker Kurtis Byrne, who warned Hibs could lose the youngster if he isn't fast-tracked into the Easter Road first team.

Former Celtic star Paul Byrne claimed his old club were already showing an interest in his son, who helped Hibs' Under-19 side clinch a League and Cup double with last-gasp goals against Motherwell and Rangers.

According to Byrne senior, Celtic first team coach Neil Lennon has already been alerted to the potential of his son, adding: "Everyone except the manager at Hibs seems to know how much ability Kurtis has and that he is ready for the first team now.

"It's a bit frustrating, to be honest. He hasn't even been part of a first-team squad this season. If you have a young player as good as Kurtis is, then you should include him as part of the squad now and then.

"I'm his dad, but I'm not wrong about Kurtis. He's got the ability and he deserves to have sampled first-team football by now." And Byrne, now manager of Southern League Premier Division side Hemel Hempstead Town, a club which attracts an average attendance of 282, added ominously: "I was speaking to Neil (Lennon] recently and he said he would keep an eye on Kurtis' progress.

"So maybe I've started something there in terms of interest from Celtic. Kurtis is enjoying it at Hibs, but obviously he wants to play first team football."

Byrne is one of seven of Hibs' all-conquering young side who will be promoted to Paatelainen's squad, recognition the Easter Road boss insisted of their potential to make the grade although he's equally adamant he'll determine the rate of progress.

While unwilling to single Byrne out for individual comment in wake of his father's intervention – "I've nothing to say," insisted Paatelainen – the Finn said: "There's no-one wanting them to show that they are capable of playing in the first team more than me.

"I think they are ready to step up into the squad, that's why we gave seven of them first-team contracts for next season. They will come into the squad then and it's up to them to show they are worth a starting place or a place on the bench."

Paatelainen could also point out to Byrne senior that is son is now competing for a place with the likes of Derek Riordan, Steven Fletcher and Colin Nish although the last-named is suspended along with skipper Rob Jones and midfield powerhouse Sol Bamba for the visit of Dundee United and the fourth and final Edinburgh derby which follows tomorrow's match.

Paatelainen admitted losing three of his tallest players, given United's aerial ability, could cause problems but insisted it was up to his players to cope with the situation. He said: "They are good in the air, they are big boys so we have to avoid giving away too many free-kicks and the like and to restrict the supply from the wide areas."