Aaron Hickey has revealed the confidence-inspiring pre-match words het got from Sinisa Mihajlovic ahead of his impressive Bologna debut.
The former Hearts teenager slotted in at left back for his first appearance for I Rossoblu in Monday night’s local derby against Parma, which the hosts won 4-1.
The 18-year-old was handed his first start after first choice left back Mitchell Dijks was sent off the previous week away to Milan.
Mihajlovic admitted it was a risk to throw Hickey in immediately, but it was one that paid off as he played well during the 80 minutes he was on the pitch, receiving a standing ovation from the small band of fans that were allowed into the stadium when he was substituted.
And Hickey, who was unveiled officially today after making the switch from Tynecastle a fortnight ago, shared what the gaffer’s pre-match message was.
“Before the game on Monday, Mihajlovic told me that he had a lot of faith in me. This helped me and I'm pleased with how I played.
“Playing for Bologna is incredible. I get to share a dressing room with some great players.
"There are a lot of players from all different countries in the team and they speak great English. “This is really important for me, especially at the start, so I can settle in.
“I'm happy to be here, I think it's a great opportunity for me."
It’s likely Dijks will replace Hickey in the starting line up now he;s available again.
But ex-teammate Steven Naismith, who played with the Dutchman at Norwich before linking up with Hickey in Edinburgh, explained the difference in style between the two players.
“It’s funny, the two of them are very different as full backs,” he said.
“Mitchell’s very big, strong and powerful. Hickey’s much more technical.
“See in all honesty? I don’t think he could have picked a better league. It suited him right down to the ground.
“I watched the game and he was getting high out wide, moving into central positions and there was a freedom there.
“Hickey loves to play. So it suits him. It’s all about passing.”
