Elie Youan tells Hibs fans best is yet to come as he welcomes Lee Johnson free pass
24.12.2022 - 11:01
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Elie Youan has promised Hibs fans they’re about to see his best now he’s been let off the leash in Leith.
The on-loan St Gallen striker has only managed one goal in 16 appearances since joining in the summer, that coming in the 6-1 thrashing at Celtic Park in October.
Youan returned to the starting line-up against Rangers after a spell on the bench and caused the Ibrox defence problems with his pace playing off Kevin Nisbet.
And the 23-year-old, who spent time on loan at Mechelen in Belgium last season, insists being given a new freedom to express himself on the ball by Lee Johnson will transform his game.
He said: “Hibs are my third team in a year, so I needed time to adapt.
“I was waiting for my first goal and it came against Celtic, but unfortunately we lost.
“But now I’m confident. If I play I’m happy and if I’m happy I’ll score, for sure.
“In the last month the gaffer left me alone to play on the pitch. He let me play and just talked about the work I need to do defending.
“With the ball, I am free.
“He told me I don’t have to be afraid to make mistakes. I am a striker and I need to try every time, even if it doesn’t work.
“Now, I am free and I’m confident and I’m fit. So, I think soon everybody will see the real me.
“I work hard every day in training and off the pitch and now I’m confident.”
Youan is hoping to keep his spot in the starting line-up against Livingston this afternoon although Johnson could be tempted to throw Aiden McGeady in from the start.
The 23-year-old reckons the physicality of the Scottish game has been the biggest surprise after playing in Belgium and Switzerland.
But he insists it’s not a problem, even if he spends most the game looking up in the sky.
He said: “The difference here is that the ball is