HIBS youngster Yrick Gallantes has been handed a shock international call-up – before kicking a ball for the Easter Road club.
The 18-year-old has been named in a 40-man Philippines squad for a training camp in Thailand as they rebuild following their maiden Asian Cup campaign in January.
Gallantes, who has lived in Edinburgh for the majority of his life after his family emigrated from South-East Asia, appeared on the Azkals’ radar during Terry Butcher’s brief time in charge of the minnows.
The former Hibs boss charged his top scout Steve Marsella to search for untapped talent and he saw enough in the diminutive midfielder to make the recommendation.
Although Butcher and his successor, Sven-Goran Eriksson, have since departed, the Philippines hierarchy kept tabs on Gallantes – leading to his selection.
Gallantes has yet to feature in a senior match for the Hibees but has been a regular for their reserve side.
