FOLEY NOT FOLLY

American could go into forklore like Cup hero Paul.. but it would be mistake not to use his money wisely

- TAM MCMANUS

BILL FOLEY’S impending cash injection has the potential to be the biggest game-changer at Hibs since Paul Hanlon’s 91st-minute leveller against Hearts in the 2016 Scottish Cup.

It could also see the American billionaire join big Paul in Easter Road folklore.

Like most Hibs fans I'm searching the internet daily in the hope of reading it's been given the SFA go-ahead. So imagine what it must be like for Nick Montgomery right now - dreaming of his player budget suddenly doubling or the next big superstar being sent north on loan from Bournemouth.

Montgomery spoke this week about how the deal will allow Hibs to "tap into young talent" from other clubs in Foley's group.

It sounds good. But it also sets mild alarm bells ringing. You've got to make sure any young player brought in is better than what's already there. And absolutely do not flood the team with loans.

Too many can drown a team's identity and no Hibs fan would be hoodwinked into becoming a feeder club. If you can get one or two gems on loan then great. Give them a platform and hopefully reap the benefits.

But they have to be ready. And that means having had experience of top-team football somewhere else rather than just plucking them from an academy.