Stevenson: I'll prove Mixu wrong

Apr 6 2008

LEWIS STEVENSON admits he was embarrassed to land a Hibs Player of the Year gong last week because he has barely played under Mixu Paatelainen.

But the 20-year-old hopes the award can prove a timely boost to help him finish the season on a high.

Stevenson was honoured at the Hibs Supporters Association's annual dinner as Young Player of the Year for the second campaign in a row.

The recognition was for Lewis' displays during 2007 when he was a stand-out under former manager John Collins.

But life has been a struggle since Paatelainen took charge in January - partly due to a niggling injury - and Stevenson has played just 15 minutes as a sub under the Finn.

Now he hopes his fortunes are about to change and said: "I won the award for the second season in a row but wasn't expecting it.

"Most of the squad were there but I thought I was just along to make up the numbers.

"I was embarrassed as I've not played the whole year. I think even the guy announcing the award was red-faced!

"Steven Fletcher would have been favourite but he's too old for the award now.

"I see what Mixu is doing and he's getting results so I can't really complain.

"Obviously it's frustrating but I'm not the only one struggling to get a game. I'm just happy to be in squads and will keep battling away."