Hibs boss Paul Heckingbottom targets loan bid for Rangers kid Glenn Middleton

Hibs last night mounted a shock swoop for Rangers star Glenn Middleton.

Middleton had appeared destined to join Dutch side NAC Breda on loan, with Gers boss Steven Gerrard confirming on Friday the move was “very close” to completion.

However, Paul Heckingbottom last night revealed talks between Hibs and the Ibrox side have taken place, and Middleton – who was at Easter Road for yesterday’s clash with St Mirren – could opt for Edinburgh.

“He is someone we’ve spoken to Rangers about and we’d be keen to do something,” said Heckingbottom.

“Rangers would too, and Glenn, so hopefully we can get something done.

“It would be a loan. He is someone who Rangers value highly.

“If we can get him, we’ll do our bit in terms of pushing him and trying to develop him and he’d do his bit for us with his ability and qualities he can bring.

“It’s not done yet, but we’re hoping.”

Meanwhile, Scott Allan’s superb strike secured an opening-day win for Hibs – and he revealed his joy at rediscovering that winning feeling after a tough year at Celtic.

“I was just thinking, ‘Goal!’ when I was played in,” he joked.

“No, I was telling myself I needed to produce something because I’d given a couple of balls away.

“I don’t know whether big Doidgy has taken a touch or made a pass but, to be fair, the big man has found me!

“Lucky for me I’ve finished it off because I’ve waited a long time to get that feeling back and it was worth it.”

Allan’s lack of significant game time last season was apparent at Easter Road.

However, he insists there is better to come once he is up to speed.

“The kind of player I am, I’ll never hide away,” he said. “If something doesn’t work I’ll try again.

“But it’s about coming up with it when it matters and that’s I did today.

“It’s the first time in my career I’m the top goalscorer.

“But I’m just delighted to be playing football and getting on the scoresheet again.

“It was a long year last year, but it was worth it. I wasn’t watching Jeff and the boys on TV today!

“It was the smell when you come into a football stadium that I missed.

“But onwards and upwards now.

“I’m comfortable here. I’m getting on well with the new manager so, for me, it has been ideal.

“After the amount of time out I had last year I’m still getting my touch back, but I think it’s only going to get better.”