Dean Cleland On U18s Unbeaten Start & Scoring Goals For Fun

It has been a hugely successful start to the season for Darren McGregor’s U18s outfit.

The wee Hibees currently sit top of the CAS Elite League and are unbeaten after eight competitive fixtures.

That run of form has included impressive victories over Celtic, Dundee, Hamilton, Motherwell, St Mirren and last year’s title winners Aberdeen.

One of the many standout performances in the U18s this year has been Dean Cleland – who has been prolific in front of goal so far.

Speaking to hibernianfc.co.uk, the Hibs forward told us how pleased he has been with the lad's start to their season.

“It has been a really good start to the season, we’re still unbeaten and we’ve got the Scottish Cup to look forward to this weekend so everyone is feeling good.

“Everyone is happy to be playing and we’re all excited at the moment.

“It is a confident group, a lot of the lads like to get on the ball and play forward. We have a lot of players that are capable of scoring goals and creating chances. At the other end, we have been keeping a lot of clean sheets which has been good.”

Cleland scored a brace in the wee Hibees' most recent 3-0 victory over Celtic. That was the striker's third brace in the league this year, netting twice against Rangers and Dundee – whilst also on target against Hamilton.

“I’m enjoying scoring goals, it is what I like doing," Dean continued.

“It has been different playing without Josh Landers since he got injured - but I think we’ve all coped well. I’ve had to step up and make more goal contributions which I think I have done quite well.”

Now into his fifth season with the Hibees, Cleland has high hopes for the season ahead – and having experienced training and being involved within the First Team before, he is hoping to kick on even further.

“Being around the First Team has helped me a lot when I have made the step up. When you train with them, you realise how quickly they play, the physicality and the level you need to be at.

“Rudi Molotnikov has played a lot this year in the First Team, so we can see that there is a way into the First Team; if you can perform at under 18s you will get the chance.

“In terms of this season, the goal for us is to win the league and play in a Cup Final at Hampden. I believe we are more than capable of doing that, particularly after the way that we have started.

“The UEFA Youth League is something that we’re all pushing towards as well. The fact we achieved that a couple of years ago with Gareth (Evans) and Daz (Darren McGregor) involved, it has pushed us on to go and achieve that again.”

The wee Hibees are back in action this weekend as they take on Dunfermline in the Third Round of the Scottish Youth Cup!