Hibernian youngster Rory Whittaker has joined Spartans on loan, with a view to gaining more SPFL experience - but also earned a glowing reference from head coach David Gray as his temporary move was confirmed. 

The versatile teenager, who made 11 Scottish Premiership appearances last season, came through the ranks at Ainslie Park and will return there until January, after penning a half-season loan with the League Two side. Whittaker is expected to be in Dougie Samuel's squad as Spartans host Bonnyrigg Rose this weekend but will still be training with his parent club, so the Hibs staff can keep an eye on his development. 

Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay explained the rationale behind the decision

“This is an important development loan for Rory and gives him the opportunity to play regularly at a competitive level. We do a lot of work on our player-development plans and this loan will enable Rory to develop certain areas of his game, whilst showing off some of his strengths.

"He will continue to train with us at HTC, which means he still gets time with our coaches, and we can constantly monitor his progress.

“We believe Spartans are exactly the right kind of football club for Rory’s development and I look forward to working with them on it."

Gray added: "Rory is a young player who has continued to impress me in pre-season, but due to the number of options we have at right-back, his game-time would be limited. He needs to be tested physically week in, week out, and I’m sure he will relish this challenge."

Whittaker will join up with a number of former Easter Road faces at Spartans, most notably left-back Callum Booth and club captain and centre-back Kevin Waugh, as well as Blair Henderson, Kieran Watson, and Bradley Whyte, who all spent time in the Hibs academy earlier in their careers. 

Spartans currently sit fourth in League Two after drawing 2-2 with Stranraer on the opening day of the season.