Taggart is set on rise with Hibs after debut

Hasselbaink's strike not only kept Accies' hopes of escaping the drop very much alive but ended the Easter Road outfit's push to take the consolation prize of seventh place at the end of what has been a bitterly disappointing season.

For although he was as unhappy as his team-mates at the outcome, a fourth match in succession without a win for Colin Calderwood's side, 19-year-old Scott Taggart could at least take some solace from the fact he'd just made his first-team debut.

Circumstances were far from ideal when he was pitched into the action, Hibs already trailing and a man down with central defender Francis Dickoh having seen red two minutes before the interval for a second bookable offence.

Nevertheless, Taggart will treasure the 24 minutes of action, his sights now set, naturally, on forcing his way into Calderwood's plans on a more regular basis.

Taggart had made the bench the previous week - as he had towards the end of last season when John Hughes was in charge - but he admitted he was delighted to have stepped over the white line.

He said: "The day won't be remembered for the result but it was good for myself to get on, get some playing time and a chance to show the manager what I can do. I'd been among the substitutes last week for the St Johnstone game although I wasn't called upon but once you have got that far all you want to do is get on so I was delighted that I did so.

"Obviously circumstances weren't ideal, losing and down to ten men. It would have been easier obviously with 11 against 11 but it was a case of trying to do my best to help the team to get at least a point which unfortunately we weren't able to do."

Now Taggart has his fingers crossed he can follow the likes of David Wotherspoon and Callum Booth, team-mates in the Hibs Under-19 side which swept the boards two years ago winning a League and Cup double as well as the East of Scotland Shield, in establishing himself in the first team.

Paul Hanlon, too, was part of that Under-19 squad although he had earned his promotion just as they embarked on that memorable season, proof, declared Taggart, that Hibs' renowned youth system continues to produce talented players. But just as important, he believes, was the spell he spent on loan at Ayr United in the first half of the season, pointing out how being farmed out to Arbroath and then Brechin had played a huge part in Booth making the breakthrough at Easter Road.

He said: "I was just in my first year at Under-19s that season, only 16 or 17, but I managed to play a few good games in what was a very good side. I've had to wait a bit longer but it was great to see guys I'd been playing with move into the first team.

"I wasn't envious of them, just desperate to get a chance of my own. Going out on loan to Ayr was a great experience, playing for the three points on a Saturday rather than midweek 'bounce games' where the result doesn't really matter."

Awarded a new two-year deal by Hughes last summer, Taggart confessed to being equally happy that, like his former boss, Calderwood also sees promise in his ability, hoping his versatility will further enhance his progress.

Able to play in defence - his introduction against Hamilton saw him feature at right back - and midfield, Taggart, who revealed a recent 'growing spurt' has seen him shoot up to 6ft 1in, said: "I can play several positions but I'd be happy to play anywhere just to get a game.

"It also looks as if the boss is seeking players who are versatile, who can play in a number of positions so hopefully that will help me.

"Of course, it's not been the best of seasons for the club but the boss also seems to be putting his faith in youth when you have a look at just how young many of our players have been in recent matches.

"But as young players we can only get better as we gain experience with every game we play so hopefully we can kick on and be ready for next season.

"However, there are still two games of this season to go so my hope is that I can get some more minutes under my belt."