Canning: I've given up pay so I can play

Aug 3 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

HIBS defender Martin Canning has revealed he sacrificed money owed to him by crisis club Gretna to rebuild his career at Easter Road.

The 26-year-old was handed an escape route from Raydale last season by Mixu Paatelainen and he's determined to repay the big Finn's faith.

After watching Gretna's demise - they dropped from the SPL to East of Scotland League following administration - Canning realises he got out at the right time.

The stopper admits he was owed wages - believed to be around £9,000 - by the cash-strapped club but was willing to write it off for a move to Leith.

Looking fitter than ever, Martin is eager to prove he can cut it in the top flight.

He said: "Getting out of Gretna when I did and coming here was a great move.

"I've always believed I could play at this level. I faced Barcelona a fortnight ago which is just scary.

"I'm really looking forward to the challenge of playing a full season in the SPL if I can stay injury-free.

"When I first went to Gretna it was good. We got to the SPL but then it was a shame the way things worked out.

"They were talking about building a new stadium which never materialised and I think a lot of people feel disappointed at that.

"I had been asking to get out during all of January and sat with Mick Wadsworth for an hour arguing my case.

"I was due money from the club up until then and more until the end of my contract. They were having serious cash problems so I just said they could keep it providing I could go to Hibs.

"I didn't want to be there, I wasn't enjoying it. I was willing to give up the money to turn my career around."

Canning takes no pleasure from Gretna's downfall last season when ill owner Brooks Mileson was unable to pay staff wages and the club were relegated.

He bought into Mileson's dream when he signed in 2006 but is now delighted to get another chance at Hibs.

Martin said: "It's weird. I was at Clydebank and left 18 months before they went under so maybe I'm a jinx!

"The main thing I'd like to see is Brooks get better because we got on great.

"But I'm really enjoying it at Hibs. Hopefully we can establish ourselves in the top six then kick on further.

"I feel fitter. When I first came I hadn't played for 10 months due to injury so I have lots of improvement in me."