Will Fish received plaudits from Lee Johnson after his goal on Saturday helped Hibs defeat St Mirren.
After being signed by Johnson last summer, the Manchester United loanee has flourished at Hibees this season and has truly settled in Edinburgh. His goal at Easter Road against the Buddies gave him three Premier League goals so far this season, moving Hibs closer to Hearts and Aberdeen in the race for third.
Fish struggled during his time last season at Stockport County on loan, and he was unsuccessful in the English lower leagues. And the 20-year-old's Hibs manager Johnson has commended him for his growth as a player and character, with supporters hopeful he will be a member of the Easter Road squad next season.
Given Johnson's enthusiasm following Fish's performance against the Buddies, it won't come as a surprise if he dons the green and white of Hibs for the upcoming season, as Football Scotland reported in March.
Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Johnson said: "He's been fantastic. I've said before if you could build a centre-half, you'd build Will Fish. He's a great student and a great lad and he's had to up his gravitas levels for this league and his on-pitch personalities."
"He's a lad that had never played a league game so far in his career. He went to Stockport last year and hardly played a game so it's a big step for him and one that he has really taken to well."
"He's trusted by the boys, trusted by the staff and it's a great sign."
Will Fish scored Hibernian second goal of their 2-1 win against Saint Mirren on Saturday afternoon at Easter Road. Prior to Will Fish's back post header giving Hibs a two-goal lead, Elie Youan fully capitalized on an early St Mirren error.
Alex Greive pulled one back for the visitors, but it was too little, too late as Hibs had moved up to fifth place with a three-point lead and a superior goal differential.
Youan gave them the lead after just three minutes. After receiving a throw, Marcus Fraser misunderstood the position and sent his clearing clattering right into the Frenchman, who sped by and finished coolly.
The second was as straightforward. An unidentified Fish nodded in response to a corner that was whipped to the front post and rebounded all the way to the back.
Hibs had numerous opportunities to end the game. Before switching places in the second half, Chris Cadden missed a Kevin Nisbet cross, and the Scotland striker blasted over after Cadden's cut-back. Josh Campbell also came very close twice.
St. Mirren required an answer, and they received one. Curtis Main slashed into David Marshall's arms from three yards away, but when Greive ran free through and stabbed a poor effort under him, the keeper was less of a brick wall and more of an open door.
The visitors made every effort to score an equalizer despite only having one goal in it. When young Lewis Jamieson shot inches wide, they would only get as near as the side netting.
Fans reacts to Will Fish performance
Although Will Fish had to wait till January before finally getting a starting berth under Lee Johnson, he has managed to become an integral part of the team. However he doesn't know what his future holds.
“You have doubts, but I always had the backing of the staff,” he said when asked if he feared his move to Hibs was not working out. “They were always in dialogue with me and they said I would get my chance and they’ve stuck to their word.
“In football, you have to get a bit of luck. Porto left and Rocky got injured and I managed to get my chance, and I’ve done alright. The more games you play, the more experience you get and you feel more confident."
“I’ve enjoyed my time here massively. I’ve had some bumps along the road but I feel like I’ve come out the other side better for it. I’ve really enjoyed it and I owe a lot to Hibs for giving me this chance.”
Fish has only played in three first-team games prior to joining Hibs, one for home club United as a substitute and two for Stockport while on loan there last season. In light of this, the 20-year-old has been appreciative of the 33-year-old Hanlon's assistance in directing him at Easter Road.
"Paul’s been great,” Fish said ahead of Saturday’s match at home to St Mirren. “You couldn’t ask for a better centre-half partner for my first few games in men’s football. On and off the pitch, he’s great.
“He helps me through the games and we discuss things together. He’s a top lad.”
Despite having a contract with United through 2025, Fish is anticipated to return to a loan after this one.
“I don’t know,” he said when asked if he will return to Hibs. “I’m just focusing on the next five games and then we can take it from there and see what happens.
“I’ve still got time on my contract but I think everyone is on the same page that I need to go out and play men’s football again (next season) so that will be the plan.”
Fans of the Green and White are impressed very much by the young Manchester United's loanee and have expressed their feelings on social media.
"LJ needs to sign him ASAP", one fan indicated. "He’s been outstanding 👌💚" another pointed out.
"Jeff Craik he’s better than maguire 😂😂" a fan noted.
"He's just scored this afternoon. Been really good for us," another fan commented
Post a Comment