Callum swaps Netherdale for the Mong Kok Stadium

The 23-year-old full back is finally fulfilling his dream of playing full-time football for Eastern FC.

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Hall left Gala with an East of Scotland Cup winner's medal after helping the side to a memorable victory over Linlithgow Rose last season.

And his overall contribution to the club had not gone unnoticed as former coach Eddie Mangan persuaded him to make the move to Asia.

Initially he went over on trial but a trademark 30-yard thunderbolt minutes into his debut sealed the deal.

And he has not looked back since.

Easter started their league campaign with a 3-0 victory and Hall provided an assist.

He said: “After leaving Hibs I did a five-year heating engineer apprenticeship which ended in the summer so the move came at the right time.

“It’s always been a dream to play full-time football but it’s hard to get a chance back home with limited opportunities for young lads trying to break through.

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“Hong Kong is a surreal place and there are not many places I can compare with it. And I’m loving it over here.

“We went to China on a pre-season tour and I scored with a volley from the edge of the box with my first touch so that was a weight off my shoulders. The trial was initially for a week but that sealed it and I’ve not looked back since.

“We play in the Mong Kok Stadium which has a 7,000 capacity and is a modern stadium with four stands.

“Our manager is Roberto Losada who played for Real Valladolid in La Liga and scored at every ground including the Camp Nou and Bernabeu, so he is a bit of a cult hero.

“He’s Spanish and likes us to get the ball down and play football which is similar to what we did at Gala Fairydean Rovers.

“We have another Scot in the squad, Leon James, who was with Hearts and Dunfermline, but he’s been injured and is in rehab back in Scotland so I’ve not met him yet.

“We have a few Spanish lads and a Korean lad and the rest are locals from Hong Kong.

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“The standard is high with the two big teams Kitchee and Lee Man regularly play in the Asian Champions League. I would rate them as a similar standard to Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen.

“You have to be fit to cope with the heat and I feel that the full-time training has helped me get stronger and fitter.

“It’s a privilege and an honour to be a professional footballer and I want to remain full time for as long as I can.

“I still follow Gala Fairydean Rovers and get notifications on my phone. It’s a club that will always be close to my heart and I owe them a lot for giving me the opportunity. I wouldn’t have met Eddie (Mangan) if I hadn’t played for them.”