BREAKING NEWS: Hibs striker sees first-team hopes dashed as big-money sale of prize asset delayed

Gray is still looking for a top-tier center forward, but the winger’s move has been put on hold. The shy Hibs have loaned their promising striker Josh O’Connor to League of Ireland rivals Dundalk in order to stave off relegation. But until Elie Youan heals from his injury, a high-profile departure that would have helped pay for the signing of a top-tier center forward is on pause.

Under new manager David Gray, O’Connor, who played for Airdrie in the SPFL Championship on loan last season, had wanted to make an impression on the Hibs first team. The 20-year-old, however, is not seen to be ready for a Scottish Premiership team that is in dire need of options up top. He will remain with Jon Daly’s squad until the end of the Irish domestic season and return to Hibs in January.

The choice to send O’Connor to a team that is second last in their division was justified, according to sporting director Malky Mackay, who said, “This is another opportunity for Josh to gain regular experience of playing men’s football.” He will be experiencing something new by playing in a different league and nation, and I have no doubt that he will love it. We hope he has the best six months ahead of him.

While everything is going on, Hibs is hoping to collect more than £2.5 million for Youan, a French winger, who is reportedly being pursued by clubs in his native France and Italy. However, the 25-year-old appeared to be wearing a leg brace to witness Watford’s friendly loss at Easter Road yesterday night, raising concerns that he would be sidelined for an extended amount of time due to his late collision with the goalie in Queen’s Park’s thumping in the Premier Sports Cup last week.

Gray estimates that the former St. Gallen and Mechelen player will return well before the transfer market ends on August 30. Following yesterday night’s match, he will likely recuperate in “a couple of weeks.” The sale of Youan is probably going to have a big influence on Gray’s ability to spend, as the team is looking to add at least one elite center forward who can go right into the starting lineup and make an instant impression.

They will, however, struggle to part with one of the most precious assets on the roster until he returns fully to training and logs at least some game action. It is also a worry that instead of waiting to see if Hibs and Youan accept their advances, prospective suitors will move on to other targets.