BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
HIBS winger Brandon Barker admits the international break has come at the worst possible time as he attempts to hit his stride at Easter Road.
The 20-year-old, who is on loan from Manchester City, made his first start for the capital club in Sunday’s 1-1 draw against Dundee, impressing with a serious of direct runs and coming close to finding the net.
It was the first time Barker has started a competitive fixture since turning out for NAC Breda in a 2-1 defeat against De Graafschap back on March 3.
However, his bid to build momentum has been derailed by the hiatus for World Cup qualifiers – and Barker cannot wait to get back into action against St Johnstone in 10 days.
He said: “It was my first start and I really enjoyed it. The football was great and our boys put in a great performance, so we’ll hope for more of that next time against St Johnstone.
“Saturday was actually my first game in six months so it was quite tough on my legs and my body, but I was happy to put in a good 75 minutes before coming off.
“It surprised me a little that I managed to last that long, so that definitely bodes well for the future.
“Hopefully the boys that are on international duty do really well but, yes, I’m a bit gutted that we aren’t going again straight away.
“That would have been deal for me, but that’s just one of those things in football.”
Despite only arriving in Edinburgh a fortnight ago, Barker is already convinced he has made the right switch as he attempts to follow in the footsteps of City teammate Patrick Roberts by kick-starting his career in Scottish football.
He told Hibs TV: “I’m here to help Hibs, that’s my first priority. From there, I’ll be trying to improve my own game, regardless of what club I’m at.
“That’s what I’m about – I’ve always tried to progress.
“And with players like Steven [Whitakker], Simon [Murray] and Stokesy [Anthony Stokes], who have bags of experience, I really think I can do that here.”
