Nick Montgomery says he's keeping a close eye on Kanayo Megwa's progress after yet more impressive displays for Airdrieonians in the Championship play-offs.

The Hibs manager believes the 19-year-old has done 'really, really well' in the Championship after heading to the Diamonds on two separate loan spells this season. Megwa was briefly recalled in January when Hibs found themselves without an available right-back, but then returned to Airdrie to continuing aiding in their push for promotion.

Airdrie manager Rhys McCabe has said he believes Megwa has the potential to become one of the best players in the country, and Montgomery has been keeping a keen eye on his progress ahead of next season.

"I have been watching him all season," said Montgomery. "Obviously, he came back and trained with the first team for a period and played.   He has done really, really well. He started off as a centre back and moved towards that right back position, probably with a profile of someone lacking the height to play centre half. But I think he has transitioned really well into that. 

“He played right back when he came back to me and I would say he has developed a lot in the last 12 months. I would say that has been a real successful loan for him – physically and mentally. 

“He is a real quiet kid and I think the loan has definitely brought his character out. We will be watching closely for the last couple of games and hopefully he carries on his form because he has been really consistent with them."

Megwa will be among 18 players returning to Hibs from loan spells this summer, and could compete with Lewis Miller and Chris Cadden for a place next season. And while a significant number of those returnees' long-term futures could lie elsewhere, Montgomery suggested Megwa could be in his plans for next term.

“He is actually one I have seen training with the first team so yeah he will come back," said the manager. "We are bringing in a couple of players in positions we really need to strengthen in and Kanayo comes into that fold as well. There will be discussions that will be had at the end of the season when you start playing for pre-season and beyond.”