BORDERS teenager Josh Landers has been handed a new three-year deal with Hibernian, less than three months after signing his first professional contract.
The 16-year-old former Peebles High School pupil was just 14 when he scored his first goal for the under-18s and played in the UEFA Youth League shortly after turning 15.
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Landers made his first-team bow when he came off the bench to replace Dylan Vente in the Viaplay Cup semi-final against Aberdeen earlier this month.
He then made his league debut against St Mirren last week.
Hibernian academy director Gareth Evans said: “We’re all delighted for Josh. I’m sure this is a very proud moment for him and his family.
“It’s always great to see a young player progress through the academy age groups and make their debut for the first team.
“The real challenge for Josh now is to keep that hunger and desire to develop and to push for more opportunities with the first team set-up.”
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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.
“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.
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“It was a great experience for him. It’s been hard work but [it’s] worth it to see where Josh is now. The whole family are proud of him.
“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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