Can Allan Reproduce For Hibs

Not many supporters expected the return of Scott Allan to Easter Road during this transfer window and while the decision to take the player on a loan until the end of the season has split opinion it’s certainly one of the more curious signings Hibs have made in recent times.

The story appeared almost out of the blue on transfer deadline day but essentially it required Hibs to terminate Scott Bain’s loan deal on which the ink had barely dried and Simon Murray’s acceptance of a short-term move to Dundee.

With those minor details out the way, Allan’s season-long loan to Dens Park was terminated and he was free to return to Leith.

His departure from Hibs still rankles many a fan to this day when his agent tried and failed, to manipulate a move to Rangers however terms were finally agreed with Glasgow rivals Celtic and the player left on slightly acrimonious terms.

Despite failing to make an impression at Parkhead and a subsequent loan spell with Rotherham, Allan made the decision to sign for Dundee at the start of the season in order to kick start his career but injuries have seen him struggle to impose himself for the Dark Blues.

Now 26 years old, the midfielder should be hungry to demonstrate his talents rather be known as another Scotsman who failed to fulfil his undoubted potential and having had the best spell of his career in the green of Hibs he’ll be hoping to show once again he’s not a one season wonder.

It’s a big ask for a player who has yet to perform consistently for any other club and with only 140 appearances for all ten clubs he’s had permanent or loan deals with, he needs to find a place to call home quickly.

With John McGinn, Dylan McGeouch, Martin Boyle and Brandon Barker currently plying their trade for Hibs in midfield Allan should compliment the former duo whilst being able to feed wide men in Barker and Boyle.

His range of passing and dead balls were generally top notch first time round and if, and it’s a big if, he can rediscover the magic which lead to him being named the Championship Player of the Year in 2014/15 then he could play a huge part in any success Hibs have in the second half of the season.