Nick Montgomery might have cast his net wide in the search for the January reinforcements he believes will make an instant impression on his Hibs side. But he doesn’t have to look far for one character he believes will be like a new signing when the Scottish top flight kicks off again – one he is convinced is on course to make a huge impact.
Hibees hitman Harry McKirdy’s return from career-saving heart surgery in the summer was almost a month ahead of schedule when the striker climbed off the bench for a cameo in the 2-2 draw with Motherwell a fortnight ago. Just watching his fellow Englishman fight back from being floored by the shock diagnosis has shown Montgomery what type of player he’s dealing with. More importantly it’s also sent the type of positive energy flowing through the rest of the squad that any new arrival would struggle to match.
The 26-year-old’s first season in Leith might have misfired badly with the striker failing to hit the net once. But with a fresh start, a re-energised hunger to succeed and a new boss to impress, Montgomery is convinced Hibs fans are about to see the real Harry McKirdy.
He said: “Harry is a great story. He came on against Motherwell and the reception he got just warming up shows the great support we’ve got. Everyone understands he has been through a really tough time.
“He has been training really hard. Mentally it’s been really tough for him. He’s a very fit player but when when you’re out for a long time It’s not easy to get back at a high intensity. Moving forward Harry can give us energy off the bench, an impact, we play a lot of teams that sit players behind the ball but Harry is the type of maverick player who can do something out of nothing and create a goal.
“We will manage him day to day and not week to week because it’s important we look after him. He is pushing himself and his attitude is fantastic. Coming off the bench before the break gave him a big lift and he is champing at the bit to get back. Hopefully we can get him more minutes and continue to build him up without pushing him too far.
“The squad have been great with him. He’s a really popular member of the group. He’s needed that support because at times people see him come off the bench against Motherwell but they don’t see the ups and downs he’s had.
“He’s had a lot of them. I’ve had him in my office a lot of times, just putting my arm around him telling him to keep going and believe he can come back.
“Everyone is just really happy for him. He’s a great kid and when you know someone has been through a real tough time like Harry, to see him back training and doing what he loves doing.
“It’s not easy when you have an injury or an issue to sit at the side of the pitch. It’s what you want to do and it’s your job but if you can’t do it it does become really difficult. He’s a great kid and this will build resilience for him.
“I’ve no doubt on the positive side it’ll make him a better person and appreciate football more. He’s desperate to show people what he’s got and probably prove people wrong as well. I don’t think after signing he really showed the impact he can but sometimes that can be the situation and environment.
“But right now he feels a part of the group and he knows we love and we’re all desperate to see him get back to his full tilt.”
McKirdy was one of four long-term absentees working feverishly in the background to get close to full fitness during the club’s winter training camp in Dubai.
While Chris Cadden is still “six to eight weeks” away from a competitive return and Jake Doyle-Hayes and Adam Le Fondre are also a little way off despite returning to training, the hope for McKirdy is that he will be ready to play a part from the bench right away. Next up is Saturday’s Scottish Cup fourth round clash at Forfar.
And Montgomery said: “There have been a few times where I’ve had to pick him off the floor and chuck a bottle of water on his head. But Harry is all in and he gives everything. He chases everything and it’s obviously been warm weather and we’ve been training twice a day really hard so it’s been a massive effort for him.
“We have managed him a little bit in a few of the sessions but he’s given us everything and he’s developing well. “The medical staff have been really good with him.
“I think a lot of it is that emotional side and a bit of anxiety over the problem he had so we’re all pushing him and looking after him. If we do that then I’m confident Harry can really make an impact this season and start to show people what he’s about.”
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