Seven members of Youth Cup final side set to join Hibs first team

May 3 2009

HIBS youth coach Alistair Stevenson has backed his doublewinning youngsters to make the step-up to Mixu Paatelainen's first team next season.

Seven of the under-19s team that sealed the double with their SFA Youth Cup final win over Rangers on Wednesday night have agreed deals to move up to the top-team next term.

Striker Kurtis Byrne, who shot to prominence with the last-minute goals that clinched the cup, will be joined by fellow hitman Patrick Deane, midfielders Lee Currie, Sean Welsh and David Wotherspoon, defender Ewan Moyes and keeper Thomas Flynn.

Stevenson said: "The lads stepping up to the first-team squad are hungry for more success.

"They are winners and I have no doubt they will give their all."