Grant Scott On Spartans Win & Academy Pair's Development

Grant Scott discussed working off rustiness, the integration of Academy youngsters within the First Team, and the team’s upcoming warm-weather training camp following Friday’s 4-0 victory over Spartans at Meadowbank Stadium.

Hibs led 1-0 until late in the game, due to Ciara Grant’s first-half goal direct from a corner, as Spartans battled hard to keep the encounter tight in EH7 until the final 10 minutes. 

Substitute Kathleen McGovern would grab two late goals to ease the pressure on the Hibees, before 16-year-old Isla Taylor capped off the scoring with a lovely solo finish.

“We’d love to be hitting every game flying like we did last week,” Scott admitted. “But I thought Spartans showed a lot of energy. 

“It was a different challenge [from last week]. It’s early days and we’ll get rid of that rustiness in due course. 

“I think we breached their backline more often in the second half with some sharper movements and passing. The players coming on introduced a bit of energy. It is good progress and we keep moving on.”

Isla Taylor’s late impact on the match, as well as Jess Ramsay’s assured display, was a positive sign of development from the two Academy stars during their 30-minute cameos against Jack Beesley’s outfit.

Both youngsters made their senior debuts with the Club last season aged just 15, and Scott is thrilled with how their development is continuing to progress.

“The girls are doing really well. We’re getting the balance right with them just now in terms of game time. 

“The consistency of training with the First Team will improve their sharpness. You can see the quality is there, they’re fitting in really well in training. We just need to manage their game time. 

“I’m delighted to see the girls come on, with Isla getting her goal. It’s really great to see.”

Scott also touched on Hibs Women’s upcoming pre-season warm-weather training camp in Florida, USA, following an invite to train and play in Jacksonville from Gainbridge Super League club Sporting JAX.

Already thinking ahead to our UEFA Women’s Champions League involvement and battling on three fronts domestically, Scott is keen to maximise the camp for all it’s worth.

“We have massive challenges ahead. We’ll get some training done in the heat and play a nice friendly match over there in front of an expected big crowd, which will be something different for the girls to be exposed to. 

“It’s the next stage of our prep and we will use it well.”