BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
CALLUM CRANE is not the first man that has failed to dislodge Lewis Stevenson at Hibs.
He probably won’t be the last.
However, the 22-year-old is determined to prove he can handle the rigours of Premiership football after departing Easter Road to join Livingston.
Edinburgh-lad Crane was on the books of the capital club from 2006 but made just two senior appearances for the Hibees, a Championship clash against Dunfermline and a comfortable 3-0 triumph over Turriff United in the Irn-Bru Cup.
However, he dazzled during a loan spell with Alloa last term, helping them win promotion from League 1 through the playoffs. That proved enough to earn a two-year deal with top-flight newcomers Livi.
“There have been a few guys that have tried to get in that Hibs team ahead of Lewis [Stevenson] – none have managed it yet!’ smiled Crane. “He’s a great guy, a top player and unbelievably consistent.
“There are not many tougher jobs than trying to dislodge a guy like that. So I’m not disheartened or bitter at all.
“I gave it a really good go at Hibs and hopefully my time there will stand me in good stead going forward.
“I feel excited, more than anything. Because I have been at Hibs, I’ve seen the boys win trophies and do well in the top-flight. I’ve not really been playing in that time and it whets the appetite.
“Hopefully I can have a good pre-season, impress the new manager and get my chance to play every week in the Premiership. I feel ready for that challenge.”
Crane was pinpointed as a Livi target by David Hopkin following a series of swashbuckling displays at full-back for the Wasps, nevertheless, he is adamant the former manager’s shock departure did not give him pause for thought about the switch.
“When the manager [Hopkin] left, I wondered what that meant for the deal, but it wasn’t a problem.” continued Crane.
“Obviously, we don’t know who will come in – it’s a bit of a guessing game – but my job doesn’t change.
“Regardless of who is the manager, I need to get in there, impress the coaches and excel in training.
“A new manager coming in means a fresh start for everyone and I’m sure it will be a really exciting time with everyone fighting for a position ahead of a campaign in the Premiership.”
