What Whittaker's Hibs debut means for fellow youngsters

There was a moment at Easter Road on Saturday, when it was still 1-0 to Hibs and not long after David Marshall had denied Andy Considine an equaliser, when it became apparent that Rory Whittaker was being primed for his senior debut, his first-team bow - out of nowhere, seemingly. The former Spartans youngster hadn't even made a first-team squad prior to Nick Montgomery's first home game in charge and yet here he was being brought on for the final 20 minutes of a vital encounter. As he stood there stripped, waiting to come on, all manner of thoughts running through his head, Montgomery turned to face him, his back to the pitch. He put his hands on Whittaker's shoulders and looked him straight in the eye, imparting some last-minute advice,

It's worth noting that shortly after this event, Dylan Vente converted Adam Le Fondre's cute pass to make it 2-0 to Hibs, and the experienced forward made way for a team-mate young enough to be his son (sorry Alfie - ed). This wasn't the final few minutes in an end-of-season dead rubber, no token gesture, no easy run-out for a wet-behind-the ears youngster. This was a management decision based on Whittaker being ready to sample first-team action and not just feature, but contribute. As Montgomery said afterwards - 'If he didn't deserve it, he wouldn't have got it'. 

And Whittaker so nearly did contribute in the most emphatic fashion; his clipped attempt from Martin Boyle's sumptuous through-ball saved well by Dimitar Mitov in the St Johnstone goal. I've watched him feature regularly for the Hibs under-18s and the development squad and despite more often than not being deployed as a full-back, he loves galloping forward to support attacks and potentially get on the scoresheet himself. And he often does. 

It's a sign of his versatility that he was deployed further forward during his 20 minutes on the pitch and although he was effectively playing on the right of the midfield four, data from StatsBomb show his average position as more advanced than any of his colleagues, virtually operating as a right-sided centre-forward - another feature of Montgomery's fluid front four with their  licence to roam. 

And what about that brave block to deny St Johnstone a shot on goal, or the way he barged players ten years his senior off the ball? Speaking afterwards Whittaker displayed a maturity far beyond his years, appreciating the enormity of his achievement while vowing to keep his feet on the ground but also recognising the influential effect his debut can have on other youngsters in the Hibs academy. This season has already produced debuts for Reuben McAllister, Kanayo Megwa, and Rudi Molotnikov as well as Whittaker, while Jacob MacIntyre has also been involved with the first-team squad. But with the new manager taking a keen interest in youth games and having developed a reputation for giving kids a chance during his time in charge at Central Coast Mariners, Whittaker's fellow academy players will look at their colleague's debut, the acclaim, the reception from the fans, and think, 'that could be me next'. And while that's a powerful feeling for a fledgling footballer to have, it's exactly what the coaching staff want as well - a host of players who want to take the next step, to bridge the gap, to leap into the great unknown or the promised land. 

But Whittaker's debut, and a first start for Jair Tavares in over 12 months, will offer hope to those players currently out on loan as well. After the Portuguese winger's substitute appearance against Kilmarnock - his first involvement with the senior squad since April - Montgomery spoke of the 'fresh start' that every player has been afforded since his arrival. 

One would imagine Nohan Kenneh, Elias Melkersen (two goals in four games for Strømsgodset) and Ewan Henderson (the same for KV Oostende) are also watching on with interest - particularly the striker, who is set to return at the end of the Eliteserien campaign, which runs until early December. And what of Murray Aiken and Josh O'Connor, who are catching the eye with Airdrie in the Championship, with Megwa also temporarily with the Diamonds? Or Kyle McClelland and Oscar MacIntyre at Queen of the South? Dylan Tait at Hamilton, or Dan MacKay at Livingston? Or even EJ Johnson at Austin FC? Their seniority compared to Whittaker matters little; the main point is that Montgomery is prepared to give chances to younger players.

Whittaker is due to be part of the matchday squad for the Viaplay Cup quarter-final against St Mirren but whether he get further minures or remains an unused substitute, the effect has already taken hold at the club's Ormiston training base. There was a bit more of a buzz as the under-18s gathered at HTC on Tuesday - minus one of their usual contingent. Glances at the artwork adorning the walls depicting previous academy graduates were more lingering than they might normally be. There was the usual dressing-room camaraderie as players, some not much older than Whittaker and others a little younger, walked through the building, discussing training and the next match. But there was a bit more of a spring in their collective step too. With Montgomery around, the kids are definitely alright.