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Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Live
Sport
Ben Banks

Brandon Barker relishing Hibs reunion in Cyprus as he targets big scalp in Manchester United match

Brandon Barker says he's turned to a new chapter in Cyprus after the former Hibs winger left the UK following difficult stints at Rangers and Reading.

The winger was brought to Ibrox in 2019 from Manchester City on a permanent basis but struggled to make an impact, playing just 27 times. He joined Reading in February of this year but was released at the end of his short-term contract, but he's now loving life abroad at Neil Lennon's Omonia Nicosia.

Barker worked with Celtic hero Lennon during his spell as Hibs manager and they are both preparing for a huge Europa League group stage match with Manchester United, where the winger will tussle with idol Cristiano Ronaldo. It's his second stint abroad and the forward who left Rangers this year can't wait to show what's he made of against old foes, telling the Scottish Sun : "I’m here on a fresh slate. It has taken a lot of adjustment. I have found it tough on my body because I barely played any football last season.

READ MORE: Josh Doig nets Verona stunner as former Hibs starlet continues fine start to life in Italy

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"So it has just been getting back in the swing of things. I am still at a good age to crack on. I had a taste of European football in Holland but I was only 18 and not ready for it.

“Any opportunity you get to grace a pitch with those sorts of players is always going to be special. Ronaldo is my greatest player of all time so it will be special for me as a United fan.

"But it is just a game and the boys will have their blinkers on and will do what we have been doing. It is a chance to put this club on the European map."

READ NEXT:

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- Ryan Porteous reveals tough Hibs love from Lee Johnson as defender avoids Scotland 'comedown'

- Three things we learned as Hibs extend good form against Ross County thanks to Porteous and Boyle

- Nohan Kenneh explains Hibs 'step-up' from Leeds United stint and the big factor behind it

- Hibs star Ryan Porteous hits back at Scotland 'wanting me to fail' critics after stunning debut

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