Fletcher Has To Wait For Big Move

Mar 2 2008 By Gordonwaddell

IAN MURRAY has seen Steven Fletcher grow from raw recruit to Real Madrid target in his two and a half years away from Hibs.

But he warned the striker not to rush his getaway from Easter Road.

Murray was in a fantastic young group who shipped out almost en masse when bigger clubs came in.

Now Fletch is a wanted man though Murray insists time is on his side to make the right move.

The midfielder, back anchoring a resurgent Hibees after spells at Rangers and Norwich, said: "I see a huge difference in Fletch.

"Strength-wise he's fantastic, he's holding the ball up well and always makes a wee yard for himself.

"When I first played with Steven he was raw, just 17, and he's still only 20.

"But the next step is just as tough. - now would be too early.

"However, if he leaves it until he's 24 like I did, maybe it's too late. It's hard to tell exactly when the right time is.

"Sometimes you just have to take the chance when it comes.

"There's also the fact Hibs can't compete with the Old Firm and big clubs down south so it's hard to resist, not just from a personal point of view but the club's as well.

"If they're offered three or four million? It's a lot of money for them.

"I certainly have no regrets about going when I did. I was delighted with my time at Rangers.

"I didn't win anything but to be involved was brilliant, I don't regret going for a minute."

Murray, 27 in three weeks, has been key to a run that has launched Mixu Paatelainen's side right back into the hunt for a European place.

And he insists the Finn's major shift in their footballing strategy has turned them into contenders.

Ian said: "Most teams against us have more possession than us, the way we counter-attack.

"The back four and the sitting midfielder have a hard shift but it's a sacrifice worth making for goals.

"It's a change for us and the fans too. The previous style worked up to a point. However, you can look brilliant and still wind up second bottom of the league.

"This way it's not what I'd call long-ball football. We defend in our own half, get the ball quickly to the strikers and play in the final third."