By:
Mark Hendry
Sligo Rovers boss John Russell has admitted Owen Elding’s exit was “inevitable” as he joins Hibs.
The young forward penned a contract at Easter Road on Thursday morning.
It is a deal worth just €400,000 which can be considered a coup for the Scottish Premiership side.
For Russell, he admits it will be difficult to lose a player as good as Elding and as well-rounded.
However, the boss acknowledges that it was only a matter of time before a star as talented as Elding departed for Hibs.
Russell has now provided some information for fans of the striker as well as Hibees punters.
And he says it was only ever a matter of time before they saw him in Leith.
Owen Elding is Hibs medical away from transfer complete
“Both clubs have agreed a deal, it’s just the formalities now and getting his medical done,” he said.
“Unfortunately, for me as manager, so close to the start of the season, losing a player of his calibre.
“But it was always inevitable he was going to go at some point.
“Top class player, young player of the year, team of the year, the challenge is to replace those goals.
“But I couldn’t speak highly enough of Owen as a guy.
“He came through the academy, into the first team. What a kid. Character, mentality, he’ll do very well.”
Elding joins Vinnie Leonard in attracting interest away from the League of Ireland.
Adam Brennan is wanted by EFL clubs as well as Shamrock Rovers while Cian Doyle is on trial with Standard Liege.
Billy O’Neill is close to joining Bristol City which is also an interesting swoop for an Irish kid.
Elding joins Irish starlets in attracting transfer interest from UK leagues
And Russell is adamant Elding is in a similar predicament in his young career already.
“It’s no coincidence or surprise to us what he achieved last year to get those nominations.
“But his ceiling is really high,” he said.
Hibs are the only club in Scotland yet to bring in a new face in the January window.
Head coach David Gray has never hidden the fact that he wanted new faces.
So fans will undoubtedly be clamouring to learn what Elding can offer.
The YouTube clips will have a few thousand extra clicks this week as they get ready to welcome their man.
Sligo forward Elding banged in 16 goals from 38 appearances in all competitions last season.
He also chipped in with five assists in the same period and is considered a highly rated young player.
Elding will likely be in the Hibs squad for their massive clash with Rangers on Sunday.
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