Mixu Fears Dig In The Hibs From Star Pupil

Apr 20 2008 By Scott Mcdermott

MIXU PAATELAINEN made Cowdenbeath chairman Gordon McDougall break his budget to sign Morgaro Gomis.

Now the Hibs gaffer is praying Dundee United midfielder Gomis doesn't cost his club a fortune by denting their UEFA Cup hopes.

Paatelainen knew the Frenchman would be a top player when he plucked him from English obscurity and handed him a deal.

He told McDougall that Gomis would make him money and was proved right when the former Montpellier kid moved to Tannadice last year.

So Paatelainen is well aware of his talents as he prepares for today's crunch game on Tayside that could have a huge bearing on who seals third spot in the SPL.

Mixu said: "Morgaro is a fantastic player. He is positive, happy and hard-working.

"We initially took him on trial at Cowdenbeath and his attitude was good but he also has great technical ability.

"Although a small guy he's strong on the ball and a good tackler.

"We played him as a defensive midfielder as I felt his passing from deeper areas was good for us. He plays more offensively for United so that shows he can do many jobs.

"I always felt Morgaro could play in the SPL. Our budget at Cowden was full when he came but the chairman agreed he could progress after us and that proved the case."

Mixu has taken Hibs from eighth in theSPLto challenging for Europe since joining in January.

And he believes his squad has more craft than rivals United and Motherwell.

Mixu said: "United are a taller and more powerful team and have class players in midfield. But I feel we are a bit more skilful and try to pass the ball more than them.

"They are direct - like Motherwell - and play high balls to the strikers.

"The target when I came in was to reach the top six and we've done that. Spirits weren't high but the players enjoy their work now."

Meanwhile, grateful Gomis says he will always owe Paatelainen for saving his career when he was on the brink of quitting football.

But that won't stop the United star trying to break his old mentor's heart in the race for Europe today.

Gomis' career languished in the doldrums after he left Montpellier's youth academy to go on trial with Chelsea. He was so depressed by his failure he let himself go and was soon struggling to get a game for non-league sides - until Paatelainen gave him a lifeline.

The 22-year-old said: "Mixu saved my career. He was so important when I went to Cowdenbeath because he told me to just play my football and enjoy it again.

"To face his team and disappoint himtoday won't be easy but we need to win this game.

"It is a dream to be battling for a place in Europe because not long ago I was playing nonleague in England.

"This has been my best season and reaching the UEFA Cup would be the final reward."