NEIL LENNON has revealed he held candid talks with Dylan McGeouch in a bid to ensure he did not fritter away a promising career.
The Hibs head coach admits he feared the injury woes which have hampered the mercurial playmaker were partly psychological.
Lennon spotted McGeouch’s natural gift before most, handing the player his debut as a fresh-faced youngster against Motherwell when he was manager of Celtic in November, 2011.
On just his second appearance for the Glasgow giants, McGeouch scored a remarkable solo goal against St Mirren which truly underlined his potential.
However, fitness concerns have come to characterise McGeouch’s career over the past few seasons.
He has endured issues with his pelvis, groin, hamstring and ankle, and has yet to start more than 24 games in a single season.
The 24-year-old, who joined the capital club from Celtic in 2014, has looked fit and strong and has been a stand-out performer in Hibs’ fine start to the season, having consulted with a specialist in the summer.
It has afforded Lennon a mix of delight and relief, given his almost-paternal desperation to see McGeouch beat his demons and shine.
“I did fear he wouldn’t reach his potential,” said Lennon. “There were times here at Hibs when I had him in and had a few stern words with him.
“I didn’t want the game leaving him behind, because he is too good a player for that to happen.
“He is more robust now, training every day and training intensely. He wasn’t doing that last season.
“He went to see a specialist to get to the bottom of the issue, and has not missed a day’s training.
“Previously, he would maybe train once or twice a week or, at times, come off in the middle of a session feeling something. I was worried it was psychological more than physical.
“I’m not saying he was doing it deliberately but he has got to the bottom of it now and we are seeing the best of him.
“He has always had the talent and now he is making the most of it.
“With the form he is in, he is unlucky not to have been given a shout for Scotland.
“I am not one to bang on about players getting picked, but such has been the quality of Dylan’s performances, he is up there now.
“He is driving the game for us, taking the ball under pressure, riding challenges.
“He is just silky, and makes the game look easy.”
Enjoy the convenience of having The Sunday Post delivered as a digital ePaper straight to your smartphone, tablet or computer.
Subscribe for only £5.49 a month and enjoy all the benefits of the printed paper as a digital replica.
Subscribe