IT’s been a whirlwind few days for Innerleithen teenager Josh Landers who could make his home debut for Hibernian against Kilmarnock at Easter Road this afternoon.

The highly rated youngster made his first team debut for Hibs at Hampden Park last Saturday, coming off the bench in the club’s Viaplay League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen.

He then made his league debut, also from the bench against St Mirren in Paisley on Wednesday night.

 

 

Now the former Peebles High School pupil is hoping to retain his place in the squad for today’s fixture against Kilmarnock.

Proud dad Ronnie, who previously played as a striker in the Border Amateur Football League and also for both Vale of Leithen and Peebles Rovers, said: “I was through at Hampden with  Josh’s mum Yvonne and had a great day. She’s still overawed and stunned.

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“Given the way the game went with Hibs going a goal down I didn’t think Josh would get on so I was surprised and delighted when he was given the chance.

“It was a great experience for him, being away with the team overnight on Friday. It’s been hard work but [it’s] worth it to see where Josh is now. The whole family are proud of him.

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“He’s been buzzing ever since and got to keep his number 53 jersey. On Sunday at dinner he said that he still couldn’t believe that he had played in a semi-final at Hampden.

“He’s been at Hibs since he was nine and played for the under 18s when he was 14.

“He’s been training with the first team for a few weeks and he was on the bench against Celtic and Ross County. So this is a new challenge but he knows that the hard work starts now.”

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After the final whistle at Hampden Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery said: “We lost a few players before the game but it was an opportunity for the boys coming off the bench, young Rory (Whittaker) and Joshy (Landers) who are both 16.

“The future’s bright for the club. It was a great experience for them and they will learn from it.”