New Hibs star Miguel Chaiwa opens up on move, how Celtic played a part and Rocky Bushiri impact

It was all about another new recruit in Miguel Chaiwa, a 21-year-old Zambian midfielder who was bought for £600,000 from Young Boys earlier in the month.

Hibs tried to play down the arrival of Chaiwa when announcing his move. “One for the future” and “a lot of potential” were the suggestions from those within the club. But on the evidence of his performance on Sunday as Hibs moved into the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals, he is one for right now.

Chaiwa bossed a physical battle in midfield. In a much-changed Hibs team, he fitted in just fine. Despite being young, he has plenty of experience - not least in the Champions League last season with Celtic. His performance will have given head coach David Gray some food for thought ahead of facing Legia Warsaw in the Conference League play-off round on Thursday.

"I might say quite amazing,” was Chaiwa’s verdict on how it felt to make his Hibs debut. “Looking at it, it was a really, really beautiful atmosphere and really, really amazing for me. I was so happy to start my first game and I had to give everything, so during the time we were playing in the game, I decided I just really need to give everything for the fans and for the club."

Chaiwa got a little glimpse of Scottish football when he was part of the Young Boys team that lost 1-0 at Celtic Park back in January in the Champions League. "It's football, the way it is, you have to choose a new environment,” he said of his move to Hibs.

Celtic experience helped Chaiwa make Hibs move

"For me, Hibs were interested and it was a passion for me to play in the Scottish league. Looking at how they play, it's the kind of style that I play. So I decided to come here. In terms of Scottish football, it's about the environment and looking at the infrastructure and everything. It's quite a good league for me.

"Last time when we played in the Champions League against Celtic, I had an idea of how they play. I had to follow them during their games in the Scottish league. So I had an idea of it."

A return trip to Celtic Park is on the horizon next month but of more immediate concern is the two-legged play-off clash with Legia, which would bring Conference League football to Hibs. “We just need to work hard,” said Chaiwa. “But I'm really, really excited. I'm hoping to help the team and my teammates like they did today. I'm really, really excited to be involved."

Chaiwa is getting help from everyone to assist his settling-in period in Edinburgh. "Rocky!” exclaimed Chaiwa when asked who has been a big support to him. “Rocky [Bushiri] has helped me a lot. He told me, 'If you need anything, I can show you around'. I have quite a personal thing with my fellow, Alan [Bain, HTC groundsman]. He's always there to help me."

He can also lean on fellow signing Klidje, who he knew from their time together in the Swiss league. “We played against each other,” added Chaiwa. “I knew him personally; he's one of the good guys and has a little bit of shyness in him.

"But I know what he's capable of doing. He's energetic. He can run, he can jump – even though he's short. But he's willing to give everything. I think he will do well at Hibs once he gets a run of games, absolutely."

The same can be said for Chaiwa too.