Paul Hanlon has watched John McGinn make the jump from Hibs to the English premier League in his stride, and expects Kevin Nisbet will eventually do the same.
McGinn has been linked with a £50million mega move to Liverpool after starring for Aston Villa and Scotland this season.
He kicked on after jumping from St Mirren to Hibs and then again when he moved to the Midlands.
Nisbet, although a few years behind, seems to be on a similar trajectory to “Meatbaw” after establishing himself as a regular in Scotland squads.
And Hanlon wouldn’t be surprised if he started moving through the gears with the same ease as McGinn.
Asked about McGinn’s potential Anfield switch, Hanlon replied: “That’s a bargain, eh?!
“I think there is a clause in terms of sell-ons. Listen, he’s a great guy and he has been brilliant for Scotland first and foremost as well. If he managed to earn himself a move like that, in my eye it would be fully deserved for what he’s done for Aston Villa and Scotland.
“Anyone who has worked with John, nobody is surprised how he constantly steps up, it’s his character, he is humble and down to earth but he has that determination to succeed and confidence in his own ability at the same time and you can see that when he plays.
“He’s a dream for football fans really, he is the one that gets you off your seat and excited and I’m sure if he did get another move he would be exactly the same player as he is at Aston Villa.
I think Kevin will take a lot of confidence from the Euros first and foremost, he will really feel like he belongs at that international stage. For the manager to put him on in every single game and getting his first goal for his country as well, he is going to come back full of confidence and hopefully as a club we’ll get the benefits of that.
“McGinn would be an example of that, we just felt like he grew in stature coming back and really kicked on. He’s probably done that at every stage of his career when he’s made a move, he has that stature and belief about himself and I’m sure you’ll see that with Kevin coming back to Hibs as well.”
After Birmingham failed with a £3million bid for Nisbet in January, hanlon is sure there will be even more interest in the Hibees’ top scorer come the summer.
He added: “You would expect that, I’m sure Hibs as a club are expecting more interest. I’m sure if there is they won’t be surprised by it, that’s for sure - in terms of what he’s done over the summer on top of the season he had.
"It’s something that happens in football and I’m sure the people in charge of the club will have contingency plans should he leave.”
