Hibernian

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This season's Scottish Premiership top six could be "the best" yet in terms of quality, according to former Motherwell forward James McFadden.

Hearts lead the division, with defending champions Celtic and Rangers six points adrift and Motherwell, Hibernian and Falkirk making up the top half of the table.

"It makes the top six extremely interesting," McFadden told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Falkirk are in the driving seat at that point as well. They will be a tough opposition for anybody. The next three games, if Hearts can win, I would make them heavy favourites to win the league.

"If they can win all three games and, well, that's including beating Rangers, then it goes to nine points on Rangers.

"Rangers need to play Celtic, throw Motherwell into the equation. Hibs, you look, you know, at their performance [in the draw with Rangers].

"It'll be the best top six that we've had in this split era because so many teams have so much to play for and so many strong teams are in there."

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James McFadden believes Scotland forward Kieron Bowie's move from Hibernian to Hellas Verona is "a brilliant deal for all involved".

Twice-capped Bowie, 23, last week joined the Italian side in a record sale for Hibs.

"He's moved on, they've got a really good fee," McFadden told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It's a brilliant deal for all involved. And it's time now for someone else to step up.

"When someone leaves, you look at clubs all over the world, they lose their star player, their main striker, and you feel that you're never going to be able to replace them.

"It's not always the case, it's never usually the case. There's always someone ready to step up and become that main striker and it just provides an opportunity for somebody else."

Hibs have signed attackers Owen Elding and Dane Scarlett and both came off the bench in Sunday's 0-0 draw with Rangers.

"Scarlett and Elding, when they came on, looked like they could be capable of causing problems," McFadden said.

"So, it's a different prospect for Hibs now. It's a different way they're going to have to line up because the players that have come in are not exactly the profile like Keiron Bowie.

"There was a lot to suggest that Hibs can get back to winning ways. You only look at last season, they were in such a bad place and they managed to turn that around. They managed to go on an incredible unbeaten run.

"That'll be difficult this season given the strength of the teams in the league but they've shown that they've got the capabilities of being hard to play against and can create chances."

We asked for your thoughts after Hibernian drew 0-0 against Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Kenny: We created lots of chances in this game but we need to start taking them. The team is crying out for a goal scorer. Lots of good things in the game but no end product. Hopefully we can sign someone before the window shuts but we need to be quick. Good result though.

George: Good all round performance from Hibs. Solid at the back and steady in midfield. For once, we didn't let Rangers bully us. Had better of the first half and might have nicked a goal. Second half, played well in phases. New signings looked good, and at times really positive. Once this squad has a couple of games under its belt, we can expect better times, and we've two or three coming back from injury, so we should guarantee fifth, and maybe catch the Steelmen for fourth.

Ringo: We still don't have an out and out striker to score goals hence how we drew a game we should have won easily, obviously the young boys will need a bit of time so hopefully they can start scoring goals and turn draws in to wins, time will tell, at least they tried to get forward and added a bit of urgency to the game when they came on with a bit more direct play.

Jim: Hibs played the better football and, if we had a bit more composure in front of goal, we would have easily won. Rangers are a poor side really, and it's two points dropped.

John: Same old from Hibs, need to take those chances and felt we were by far the better team. New faces looked decent and should create some competition

Colin: That was much better. An improved performance and should have won. Our depleted midfield played well. We need to improve our finishing if we are to move up the league.

Watch highlights of the goalless draw between Hibs and Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.

Available to UK users only.

Hibernian head coach David Gray anticipates new additions on transfer deadline day. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Plymouth lead Hibs and Wigan in the hunt for Millwall right-back Wes Harding, 29. (Football Insider), external

Monday's Scottish gossip

Hibs head coach David Gray: "We deserved all three points, if I'm honest. We had the best chances. We could be a bit more clinical. A little bit of frustration we haven't won the game, but that's a good place to be off the back of the last two results.

"It was much more like us. It's very much about making sure we keep working hard, sticking together. It was a young group towards the end, but once we get a few back I'm confident we can end the season strongly."

On Kai Andrews' debut: "He's someone who was up here before. He's got a very good pedigree, played at a very good level. He grew into the game as it went on. But, to a man, the boys were excellent."

On the end of the transfer window: "Maybe a couple of additions if it can be done. I do expect there to be a bit movement at the end of the window."

Blunt Rangers ended the weekend six points adrift of Scottish Premiership leaders Hearts as their domestic six-game winning run was halted in a goalless draw at Hibernian.

Have your say on the game here.

Read our match report here.

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Hibernian are hopeful of signing Croatian winger Ante Suto from Slaven Belupo, with reports in his homeland suggesting the 25-year-old is on his way to Edinburgh for a medical. (Hibs Observer), external

Hibernian are closing in on the signing of Felix Passlack, having agreed personal terms on a three-and-a-half year deal and a "low six-figure" fee with Bochum. (Sky Sports Germany via Football Insider, external)

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Kieron Bowie has left to join Hellas Verona but Hibs could include new signings Owen Elding, Kai Williams and Dane Scarlett.

Warren O'Hora (groin), Josh Mulligan (ankle), Josh Campbell (hamstring) and Chris Cadden (calf) are out but Nicky Cadden and Thibault Klidje are in contention to return after missing the defeat at Falkirk through illness.

Rangers' January signings – Andreas Skov Olsen, Tochi Chukwuani and Tuur Rommens – are available after being ineligible against Porto on Thursday, as is Nedim Bajrami. Danilo missed the game in Portugal as his wife is expecting a baby.

Dujon Sterling is working his way back to fitness and Connor Barron (knee) and Derek Cornelius (muscle) are still out.

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Hibernian want to "put right" previous defeats to Rangers this season when the sides meet on Sunday.

The pair have faced off three times already this season, once in the League Cup when Hibs were beaten 2-0 and twice in the league, both times Hibs narrowly lost 1-0.

If David Gray's side can win on Sunday, they'll move nine points behind Danny Rohl's men in the Scottish Premiership.

"Rangers are obviously in very good form," Hibs boss Gray said.

"The new manager's come in and their form speaks for itself. They are a good side, we know that.

"But I think it has been very fine margins in all the games we've played against Rangers this season, and unfortunately we've been on the wrong side of that.

"That's something we really want to put right this weekend. Naturally, you look over the last few meetings and you look at what happened within the games, but probably the two teams have different squads as well now.

"Rangers have added different players and our squad is slightly different as well, so I think it's more about me concentrating on us and getting that reaction [from recent defeats] and putting that belief back into the players, and trying to use this opportunity this weekend to get three points at home."

Hibs fans, we asked for your views after striker Kieron Bowie's move to Italian side Hellas Verona was confirmed.

Here's what some of you had to say:

Scott: It's never great when a top player moves on in January, especially so late in the window but this is a fantastic move for Bowie (and Hibs) and I'm pleased he went to Italy rather than down south. It will improve him as a footballer and as a person and should set him up for the future. Hibs would know this was potentially coming and have acted, however with a few days still to go they need to strengthen further.

Bruce: The timing's not ideal given we're on a decent run (beat Hearts, Aberdeen, and Kilmarnock over the festive period), but that Scottish Cup exit to Dunfermline and heavy defeat to Falkirk showed we need squad depth. If we spend the Bowie money wisely and strengthen properly, we can push for top four. It's all about what we do with the funds now.

Martin: Losing Bowie wouldn't be such a blow if Hibs had signed players with experience this January. They haven't, and will be poorer for that.

Ron: For a club of our size and stature, increasing the value of a player by so much has to be seen as both good business and good nurturing/coaching. The reality is, we are never going to compete with the big boys as far as money is concerned and with us exiting the cups and Europe at the times we did this year, the money here will absolutely help the club overall.

Steven: When Bowie first arrived I thought we'd uncovered an absolute gem of a player and while we saw some classic moments, such as what would be the eventual winner against Hearts and that goal in Europe, I still feel he never reached his full potential.

Gary: Kieron worked hard in games but was unreliable in front of goal. This is a great deal for Hibs and Kieron so I wish him all the best. We need a 20+ striker and Dane Scarlett will hopefully be a good temporary answer.

Hellas Verona secured the services of Scotland striker Kieron Bowie after an improved offer worth around £7m once add-ons are included, with about £6m coming to Hibernian up front. (Scottish Sun), external

St Louis City will pay Aberdeen around £250,000 to land Dante Polvara, who reportedly received a pre-contract offer from Hibernian. (Press & Journal), external

Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Kieron Bowie says he "loved" playing for Hibs as he thanked the club and fans after completing his move to Serie A club Hellas Verona.

The 23-year-old Scotland striker becomes Hibs' biggest sale, departing for a fee that the club say "substantially exceeds" the previous record of £4.4m for Scott Brown's move to Celtic.

Bowie, who scored 15 goals in 52 Hibs appearances, said: "I would like to thank all my team-mates, coaches and staff at Hibernian FC for their support during my time at the club.

"I loved playing for and representing Hibs and enjoyed some amazing memories with a fantastic group of people, and I hope to be back to visit Easter Road in the future.

"I will always look back fondly on my time with the club and wish everyone every success moving forward."

Head coach David Gray said: "Firstly, I would like to thank Kieron for the way he has conducted himself over the last 18 months. He has been a pleasure to coach and he has been fantastic to work with both on and off the pitch.

"This is a life-changing move for him and his family. He has a bright career ahead of him and we wish him every success in Italy and in the future moving forward."

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay said "several clubs" made bids for Bowie this month and added: "We have worked hard to secure a deal that reflects his true value and one that is in the best interests of Hibernian Football Club and all parties involved.

"Kieron has got a great personality and is surprisingly mature for his age, which will stand him in good stead in relocating to Italy and playing in Serie A."

Hibs fans, what do you make of Bowie's departure? Was the deal too good for Hibs to turn down? And what now for the club?

Tell us here.

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Hibernian have signed England Under-21 striker Dane Scarlett on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.

Scarlett, 21, has made five substitute appearances for Thomas Frank's side this season and heads to Easter Road in search of regular football.

He has previously had temporary spells with Portsmouth, Ipswich Town and Oxford United in England and has made over 100 appearances in senior football since becoming Spurs' youngest ever player in 2020.

"Dane is a player with real talent, fantastic attributes and he will provide a genuine goal threat in the forward areas of the pitch with his pace, athleticism and technique," Hibs head coach David Gray said.

"We are delighted to bring Dane into the building and we are all looking forward to working with him over the next six months."

Scarlett's arrival came shortly before Kieron Bowie's club record sale to Hellas Verona was confirmed.

BBC Scotland's Edinburgh football reporter Brian McLauchlin has been answering some of your questions on Hibs.

Conor asked: What are Hibs' plans moving forward? Do we stick with David Gray or give him until the end of the season and look at other options? Why has it taken them so long to look at making signings this window?

Brian answered: Time is a rarity for football managers nowadays but in this case I genuinely believe the board will stick by Gray and help him as much as possible in terms of turning things around.

The Scottish Cup loss was a sore one to take and followed up by the poorest performance of the season away to Falkirk.

Don't think for one minute Gray would not be looking for new recruits earlier in the window but as other clubs are also finding out sometimes it takes much longer than you think to conclude a deal and good players that are available tend to be wanted by multiple clubs.

Sandy asked: Any news on incoming investment?

Brian answered: I wouldn't rule this out at some point in the future as Hibs are a top Scottish club with a potentially easier route into European football than other leagues and therefore are without doubt on the radar of would-be investors.

Robin asked: Why when we have a great defender as a manager have we not got the best defence in the league? A better calibre of player is needed. Everyone in the back line should have pace, a good football brain, ball skills, be able to take on a player and make a great pass. Not much to ask for.

Brian answered: You make it sound so simple! Everyone is looking for a player matching your descriptions. Sadly there are very few players around with these attributes.

Every club works within its own limitations and the job of a recruitment department is to identify the best possible options for the manager who always has the final say.

We asked for your views on Hibs signing young forward Owen Elding and the likely departure of Kieron Bowie.

Here's what some of you said:

Colin: Happy to see a new player come in and happy to see Bowie leave as well. Take the £6m and get another couple of good players for the money. I'd go for Elijah Just at Motherwell, he's a good player.

Bill: As we are struggling at the moment it would be a huge mistake to lose Bowie, even though he is not performing at his best. The new guy sounds good on paper, but it sounds like David Gray is going to wrap him in cotton wool, like Thibault Klidje. Jury's out. Fans will vote with their feet.

Mike: If Bowie holds out any hope of making it back into the Scotland squad for the World Cup, it's a no-brainer to stay put for now with a regular starting slot. His stock is only on the rise and he'll get his big move if he perseveres.

Sandy: For Hibs to show real ambition we must be keep our best players. For me Bowie and Josh Mulligan must stay, or we can remain second string to Celtic, Rangers and even Hearts. Keep them!

Chris: Losing Bowie would be an almighty blow. It has been a joy to watch him develop as a footballer and a human being over the last 18 months. I for one thank him for all he's done and for bringing some joy to my weekends. Gone but not forgotten. Farewell my sweet prince.

Kenny: It's always good to bring young talent to the club but we desperately need an experienced playmaker, someone who can boss the midfield going forward and getting back. We also need to bring in an experienced forward. Hibs are a big club but that certainly doesn't show when it comes to strengthening the team. Come on Hibs, get the finger out.

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Kieron Bowie says his impending big-money move to Hellas Verona suits himself and Hibs as the striker looks to kick on his career and secure a place in Scotland's World Cup squad.

The 23-year-old is in Italy to complete a switch to the Serie A side for a reported fee of £6m - a club record sale for Hibs.

Bowie, who joined from Fulham for £600,000 18 months ago, has scored 15 goals - including nine this season - in 52 Hibs appearances.

Speaking to Sky Sports at Edinburgh Airport before he flew to Italy, Bowie said: "I've had 18 months at Hibs now and I've done extremely well there. They've done well for me so I think for all parties it's good.

"Italy appeals, there's obviously a lot of people from Scotland who have gone there and have done well.

"It opens a lot of opportunities for myself and my family which is the main thing.

"It's a top league and obviously with the World Cup coming up, that's the idea.

"I've had a good 18 months, not played as many games I've wanted to. But I've helped the club and they've helped me."

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Hibs have announced their second signing of the January transfer window, with Coventry midfielder Kai Andrews joining on loan until the end of the season.

The Wales international, 19, spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell, making 12 appearances for the Fir Park club.

He made his international debut in Wales' 1-0 loss to Canada in September, and has made 10 appearances in all competitions this term for high-flying Coventry, who sit top of the Championship table.

He follows Irish teenager Owen Elding through the door at Easter Road.

The 19-year-old signed permanently from Sligo Rovers on a four-and-a-half year deal.