Exclusive:Rising Hibs star’s next steps laid out – what Owen Elding can add to game after flying start to SPFL life
Exclusive: Rising Hibs star’s next steps laid out – what Owen Elding can add to game after flying start to SPFL life.
The teenager led the line in the first away victory over Celtic since 2010 and scored a goal on his maiden appearance, but he is still improving. Player growth seldom follows a straight path.
Every Great Leap Forward is accompanied with a setback, whether it be technical, mental, emotional, or physical, that will undoubtedly try the faith of all those who have faith in the future of a budding young talent.
Therefore, David Grey is acting appropriately by shielding Owen Elding from unrealistic expectations.
The Hibs manager goes to great lengths to emphasise that the 19-year-old striker won’t be asked to “carry the club” at such a young age.
That is simply basic managerial common sense. Grey would not want to minimise the performances or potential of a teenager who has moved from Sligo Rovers to the Scottish Premiership in one fell swoop.
So yet, not a single stumble has occurred. Grey definitely has a vision for how he wants and hopes to see January signing Elding develop in the coming months and seasons.
Elding, who scored on his first start, kept his spot for a difficult journey to Celtic Park, and responded by leading the line in a historic away triumph, is set to continue.
Gym regime will add to natural strength
When asked what Easter Road regulars might expect to see as the centre striker settles into his job, Grey said:
“He’ll continue to develop physically, which is something. He’s a good size, but he’s only 19, so he has a lot of physical development ahead of him.
“And I believe that having a gym-based program like he’s doing here, and how we’re working all the time, is something that I’ll contribute to his game on that side.
“You can already see the technical aspects of the game, which he will continue to work on.He’s really clean and good off both feet, but on the left side, he’s different. “And now for the other side of the game.
I believe the simplest way to describe it is that he has an ancient head on young shoulders, at least a little. He’s also an excellent tactical player for his age.
“And he will improve through experience.There will be an improvement when he gains more experience playing larger venues such as Celtic Park or even Easter Road in front of 20,000 fans.
“It’s a hard environment to play in. There are a lot of expectations, particularly for a young player.
We aren’t going to dump all of that on him and expect him to carry the club. He’s still in the developmental stage, and there’s a lot more to come from him.
Martin Boyle mentor role for youngster
Elding’s development will be largely determined by the player’s attitude and application. It will be the responsibility of the coaches to provide him with opportunities for learning.
But teammates also play an important role, as Grey points out: “I’m sure he’ll learn from playing with someone like Martin Boyle.” As you saw over the weekend.
“It’s simple to say when you obtain the right outcome at the end. But when you’re picking your side and hoping for the best, that’s what I expected from both of them against Celtic.”Boyle has been a consistent threat at this level for quite some time.
You have seen that.”Defenders dislike going up against him because of his movement and tactical effort away from the ball. However, this requires experience.
“That comes with playing for a while and, of course, understanding how I want to play after working with him for a long time.” So seeing someone like Owen, who’s been there and done it, and who’s still hungry and wants to keep going, is obviously beneficial to the younger players.
“That’s another thing: he’s still determined to train properly every day. And, yes, he has been a constant threat for a long time, so he sets a good example for the younger players.
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