Top line summary

  • Easter Road under the lights bring 'big emotions'.
  • Easier to play against Rangers because Hibs have nothing to lose
  • Ready to compete with new players for places.
  • Texts with Maolida helped sell him on joining Hibs.

Elie Youan spoke to the media ahead of Hibs' meeting with Rangers at Easter Road on Wednesday night. Here's everything the winger had to say.

Will be you inspired by Easter Road under the lights on Wednesday night?

“These are big emotions. In this kind of game you can show your strength and how good you are. This is what I do, this is why I want to play against these teams. I expect to show everybody who I am. You get more energy, it’s a big atmosphere and you want to show what you have got, the best of you.

Is it difficult to adjust from Forfar to Rangers?

“I think it is more difficult to play against Forfar because they are in the fourth league, and maybe you underestimate them, it’s a cup game as well so you never know what is going to happen. So it’s easier to play against Rangers because, for a start, they are better than us, so we have nothing to lose. We just want to play the way we are used to playing.

Are these the games where full focus is essential?

“You don’t have time to not be concentrated because it’s about small details. If you give them the space they will punish you, so you have to be concentrated from the start to the end.

Have you worked on that side of your game?

“I don’t work especially on my concentration, it’s about the work we do at training, the approach to the game. The more I practice, the more concentrated I will be, that’s it.

Can you actually have more space against the likes of Rangers?

“They are better than us with the ball, they are used to playing in the Champions League. But I think I am better against Rangers and Celtic because they are big teams and I love to play against these kind of teams. I am excited to play this game.

Do the new players bring competition for places?

“Of course I am ready. I have not been waiting for them to come to bring competition, I compete every day. I am confident but I am humble. I will give the best of myself in training every day to show I deserve my place and to help the team as well.”

Are the new boys looking good in training?

"Emiliano I don’t know him well but Myziane I know from the national team. We played there two or three years together so I know his quality. I’m very happy to have him here at Hibs. He texted me before coming here and he asked me lots about the club. I told him it was the best place for him if he wants to play and improve. He needs that. He was struggling in Germany so it’s good for him to come here. He asked some questions. He wanted to know about Hibernian. Now he is here and everybody is going to see what he’s got.

How exciting is a player like Myziane coming in? He's played for big clubs and had big fees paid for him...

"He played for big teams. Now he is here and his focus is on his task with Hibs. It’s good for him to be with us and become more consistent and play games and improve and to start to win with us.

The manager said perhaps he had too much, too young...

"Yes. I’ve been in that position back in the day and I know when you find a place like Hibernian you just want to have pleasure in playing again, to be happy and improve yourself. I think it’s the best place for him.

What age group did you play together with France?

"Under-18 to Under-20. It was a very big generation and I enjoyed a lot playing with the national team. You play with the best players at your age, which is good to compete. In that team was Moussa Diaby, Boubacar Kamara, Ibrahima Konate, Matteo Guendouzi — a lot of good players."