HARRY SMILES

Monty says return of maverick McKirdy like a new sighing

- FRASER WILSON

NICK MONTGOMERY might have cast his net wide in the search for the January reinforcements he believes will make an instant impression on his Hibs side.

But he doesn’t have to look far for one character he believes will be like a new signing when the Scottish top flight kicks off again – one he is convinced is on course to make a huge impact.

Hibees hitman Harry McKirdy’s return from career-saving heart surgery in the summer was almost a month ahead of schedule when the striker climbed off the bench for a cameo in the 2-2 draw with Motherwell a fortnight ago.

Just watching his fellow Englishman fight back from being floored by the shock diagnosis has shown Montgomery what type of player he’s dealing with.

More importantly it has also sent the type of positive energy flowing through the rest of the squad that any new Hibees arrival would struggle to match.

The 26-year-old’s first season in Leith might have misfired badly with the striker failing to hit the net once.

But with a fresh start, a hunger to succeed and a new boss to impress, Montgomery is convinced Hibs fans are about to see the real Harry McKirdy.

He said: “Harry is a great story. He came on against Motherwell and the reception he got just warming up shows the great support we’ve got. Everyone

 understands he has been through a really tough time. He has been training really hard.