Hibs man Sproule: I'll show them a clean pair of heels

The Northern Ireland star admits he knew the first question he'd be asked on his return to Hibs would be whether he still has the lightning-fast turn of pace which tore SPL defences apart during his first spell in Edinburgh.

But while he knows there may be a few contenders for his crown, the 30-year-old former Bristol City player insists he's still capable of showing all comers a clean pair of heels.

Revealing he's never timed himself, Sproule said: "It's something I've never really had to work on, I was born with it. I never came up against anyone in England who could beat me and while there's a few quick ones here I still feel my title is there to be shot at.

"There's a few grey hairs now and a few of the young lads might fancy themselves but hopefully I can roll on for another few years."

Pace is something Sproule won't be able to pass on to Colin Calderwood's young squad but as one of Hibs' senior players the experience he has gained since arriving in the Capital as a virtual unknown in a bargain basement 5000 signing from Irish club Institute he's more than willing to share.

He said: "When I came to Hibs all those years ago I hadn't played for my country, I'd never played in Cup finals or play-off finals. I've done a lot in the seven years I have been away from home and I've used all that experience to my benefit.

"I've come back a much wiser and stronger player. When I came here first time I was a youngster in terms of football, there were a lot of demands put on me by senior players. When I wasn't doing things right they barked at me and told me to do it right.

"I did not have a long time to learn. We've got a younger group than I was expecting but, hopefully, I can put demands on some of the young lads as I put demands on myself."

Capped 11 times by Northern Ireland, Sproule revealed he still harbours hope of representing his country again in future with international boss Nigel Worthington having recently disclosed he hadn't ruled out a recall.

After falling out of favour at Ashton Gate last season, Sproule spent periods on loan with Yeovil Town and Notts County, a scenario which left him in the international wilderness but one which he accepted without rancour.

He told Hibs TV: "I feel the lads who are playing regularly for their clubs deserve their chance so for that reason I never cried about it. But if I turn in performances for Hibs who knows?"

HIBS Under-19s got off to the perfect start in the JET-11 international tournament in Hamar, Norway, by beating local side Sandefjord 3-1. The young Hibees went a goal down inside the first five minutes but two goals from Danny Handling and a penalty from Ross Caldwell sealed the victory. The only sour point was an injury to Phil Addison, who is feared to have broken his toe.

Hibs' next match was due to be played today against Norwegian outfit and tournament favourites Rosenborg.

YOUNG Hibs defender Jamie Doris has missed out on a chance to represent his country in Under-20 World Cup in Colombia. Despite playing in all of New Zealand's qualification matches, he has been omitted from the All Whites' squad for the forthcoming tournament.

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