Paul Hanlon could win move to English Premier League like Danny Wilson if he keeps learning, says Hibs boss John Hughes (original) (raw)

HIBS boss John Hughes reckons Easter Road kid Paul Hanlon can follow in Danny Wilson's footsteps by clinching a dream move to the Premiership.

Wilson exploded on to the scene at Rangers last season during his debut campaign in the SPL.

And the 18-year-old defender's stunning displays helped him seal a move to Liverpool this summer in a £2million deal that could eventually net Gers £5m.

Now Hughes has tipped Hanlon, 20, to emulate his Scotland Under-21 team-mate by securing his own transfer to an English giant.

Yogi said: "Paul has a real future in the game. He will get better by being in and about the first team, playing games and getting battered about.

"I can sleep at night knowing what I am going to get out of him. Paul has one bad game in five matches but you get that with youngsters.

"He has worked hard at his game and is a natural left-sided stopper. They are a dying breed.

"Paul could find himself in the Premiership in the next few years like Danny if he keeps learning.

"Danny had a higher profile because he played for Rangers and that helped him win a fantastic move.

"At the moment I need Hanlon in the ranks because I can't afford to lose a player of his quality.

"But I have one or two players who could go to the Premiership and Hanlon is one of them.

"That's why I keep telling my lads to grab the opportunity."

Hibs kick off their SPL campaign today when they take on Craig Brown's Motherwell at Fir Park.

That was the scene of an amazing collapse last season - when Yogi's side blew leads of 4-1 and 6-2 during an incredible 6-6 draw.

But Hughes refused to condemn his side after that match and reckons focusing on the positives helped them to seal a fourth-place finish.

Hughes said: "I remember telling the boys the point they earned that night could be the one that clinched fourth and a place in Europe.

"It felt like a loss and there was frustration but we played some fantastic stuff to go 4-1 and 6-2 ahead and a lot of that was forgotten about.

"It was one of those games which was nice to be involved in when you look back at the highs and lows.

"Last season was a success because we qualified for Europe and we're hoping to do that again.

"If it's a scrappy game this time and we sneak it1-0 I'll be delighted."

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