Harry McKirdy on Hibs future hopes and proving people wrong

How are you feeling after that?

Not bad, it’s been a tough week but just nice to be out there playing.

What's the last year been like for you?

"It was a year ago today when we played these and I had a scan in the morning. It has probably taken a year to get relatively fit but I’m getting there now and I’ve got a lot to prove. It’s been tough, you live the life you’ve been given at the time. The first year was frustrating, I didn’t score goals and then the second year was just about being fit and healthy. Walking becomes more important than not scoring a goal in a while. It’s tougher for your family and friends, when it’s yourself you just have to get on with it. It’s nice to be back out playing football."

READ MORE: Every word from David Gray after Hibs beat Edinburgh City

Can this be a fresh start, a new chapter?

"Hopefully, it’s been a difficult few years for Hibs. I look at myself and I’m frustrated, I’ve not really played. It’s not been good for Hibs, I’ve got a lot to prove and I think everyone involved with Hibs has a lot to prove. I think I’ve got enough to help us push on but we’ll see what happens."

What's the message been from David Gray?

"He’s been good. I left Swindon early last year, it was probably too early for me to be playing football, I could have had a long summer but I came in and trained and it was the gaffer I was working with most days. I’ve got a good relationship with him and at the end of the day it’s down to me. It does not matter who the manager is, if you perform well you will get a chance to play, if you don’t I’ll probably be sent out the door. It’s up to me now and I think I’ve got enough to give and hopefully kick on.

Can you flourish under David?

"I need to get myself fit and need to stay out of trouble with certain things. I just want a fresh start and be given a chance, I know I’m good enough to play here although I’ve probably not shown it here yet."

Have Hibs fans still not seen the real Harry McKirdy?

"I will always say I’ve played four games [starts] since I’ve been here, I’ve never had a fresh start. I don’t think many signings come in and have as little chances as I’ve had although I probably didn’t take the few I had. I felt really harshly treated in the first year, everyone has got a story but I’m feeling good now and I’m putting weight on again. I know I’m a good footballer, I know not a lot of people in Scotland will have seen that but I know what I’m capable of and hopefully I will get the chance to prove it."

How has pre-season been so far, intense?

"You can tell by me now it’s been tough but it’s just nice to be able to do full sessions and hopefully keep up with the boys."

READ MORE: Hibs instant analysis as Gray starts off with friendly win

Does it feel like you've been written off?

"I get that, I’m a football fan and if someone does nothing in two years you'll probably forget about them and lose patience and hope. But I know I’m good enough to play and have a successful year at Hibs. I need it and the club needs it as well so hopefully we can help each other.

And what about that goal?

"It was nice, I’ve got it in me and it was no surprise, I just need to show it and build some confidence."