Latest news with #Triantis
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs boost international reputation with another World Cup call-up
Socceroos come calling for a FOURTH Easter Road stand-out as former Bolton defender selected Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Hibernian's spectacular surge up the Scottish Premiership table has earned another of their top performers international recognition, as Jack Iredale becomes the latest Easter Road star to earn a first Socceroos call-up. The central defender joins Australia regulars Martin Boyle and Lewis Miller, as well as Nectar Triantis, in the squad gathering for crucial World Cup qualifiers against Japan and Saudi Arabia next month. Iredale has been an absolute stand-out during his team's climb from dead last to securing third place with a game to spare, the 29-year-old left-sided defender's introduction to the starting XI coinciding with a dramatic upturn in form. Born in Scotland but raised in the 'other' Perth, Western Australia, the former Greenock Morton, Cambridge United, Carlisle and Bolton Wanderers regular joined Hibs on deadline day at the start of the season. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad After recovering from a niggling injury, he had to bide his time before being throwing into a team in crisis, with his availability allowing first-year head coach David Gray to switch to a back three. Hibs then put together a record-equalling 17-game unbeaten run in the league, including beating Celtic at Easter Road and Rangers at Ibrox, before wrapping up their status as Best of the Rest behind Scotland's big two with their midweek draw against St Mirren in Paisley. Aussie ambitions 'one of the reasons I joined Hibs' While Boyle and Miller are already established members of the Socceroos squad looking to qualify for the World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer, Iredale's call-up reinforces the ability of Hibs to provide a platform for players seeking international recognition. Especially as he's the second Hibee in the space of a few months to earn a call-up from the Aussies. Australia boss Tony Popovic handed Triantis his first involvement during the last international window, having cited the Sunderland loanee's eye-catching performance in that win over Celtic as evidence of the midfielder's development in his second loan spell at Easter Road. Although Triantis didn't get any game time in the World Cup wins over Indonesia and China, he's been called up again for this training camp. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Iredale, who won the PFA Scotland Goal of the Year award for his stunning strike in March's Edinburgh derby win over Hearts, has spoken about his international aspirations since breaking into the Hibs team. Speaking just last week about potential contact with Popovic, he declared: 'Hopefully I see him in a couple of weeks. Fingers crossed, hopefully I can manage to break in. But if not, I know I'm at a place where I'm happy, and I'm playing football, and good things will come, I'm sure. 'It was actually one of the factors of why I decided to come to Hibs, because I knew playing at a club as big as this had international eyes on it. And then when we had Millsy and Boyle in the team, obviously Nectar's come in, he's done really well, and there was a lot of Australian internationals coming through in Scotland. 'So that was one of the driving factors, and I'm really glad I've came here. We've had a couple of Aussies at Easter Road as well with the Australian flag, so it's nice, home away from home, I get a bit homesick, but it's nice when you see the familiar colours.'
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs transfer news: Portsmouth update on top target for Easter Road side
Premier League play-off final still biggest factor in next step for Socceroos prospect Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Top Hibs transfer target Nectar Triantis is no longer a prime target for Portsmouth as the EFL Championship strugglers look to rebuild their midfield after a disappointing season in England's second tier. But David Gray will have to wait until AFTER the Premier League play-off before getting full clarity on the Sunderland loanee's immediate future. Triantis, who returned to Easter Road for a second loan spell last summer, has been a crucial figure in helping Gray steer his team from the foot of the Scottish Premiership to a third-place finish with a game to spare. It's now odds-on that Hibs will be playing in some sort of UEFA league format next season – meaning they'll need quality AND quantity to balance the twin demands of European and domestic competition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gray hopes that the lure of playing in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League will be a major factor in persuading Triantis, who has just turned 22, to have another crack at life in Scotland – either on loan or via a permanent transfer. And it looks as though one of the former Central Coast Mariner star's other options, a move to Portsmouth, has been closed off. The Portsmouth News report that Pompey have dropped their interest in a player who earned his first senior Socceroos call-up off the back of his performances for Hibernian. Triantis, who has just been short-listed for the Scottish Football Writers Association Player of the Year award, will have other opportunities to weigh up. But a lot will depend on where parent club Sunderland, who have him under contract for another two years, end up playing their football. The Black Cats face Sheffield United in the Premier League play-off at Wembley on Saturday, May 24, with a place in the world's richest league at stake. Speaking just last week, Triantis – who has blossomed under the guidance of Gray since being converted from a central defender to a central midfielder – admitted: "Things can vary, whether they (Sunderland) go up to the Premier League or not. They do keep in good contact with me, so it's a healthy relationship. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I'm unsure (about what happens next). Obviously, there's three games left, so you obviously focus on that. Then come the summer, who knows what can happen and what things get put on the table? 'I've really appreciated Hibernian as a club, because they've given me that platform to really be a mainstay in the team and to showcase myself every game this season. I do appreciate that.' Contract talks likely to make for a busy end to season Hibs have worked hard to agree extended deals for a number of players who were due to become free agents this summer, with sporting director Malky Mackay eager to avoid a mass turnover of talent ahead of Gray's second season as head coach. There should be no repeat of last summer's influx, when an even dozen new players were signed before the deadline. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But, including loan deals, Triantis is one of a handful of players not guaranteed to be turning out for Hibs next year. Mykola Kuharevich returns to Swansea when his loan expires, while talks between the club and Junior Hoilett – out of contract in a matter of days – are still ongoing. Rocky Bushiri is another still in limbo, the Democratic Republic of Congo defender weighing up alternatives while keeping his Hibs options open. And, despite Gray wanting to retain Martin Boyle and the Socceroos forward expressing his desire to stay, the finances behind triggering a one-year extension on the veteran's contract have left that situation unresolved heading into the final game of the season , at home to Rangers on Saturday.
Scotsman
13-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Pundit spots trump card that could extend key star's stay at Hibs
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now He is spending time on loan at Hibs from Sunderland, who are in the English Championship. Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A pundit has told Hibs that their placement in European competition could determine whether or not Sunderland loanee Nectar Triantis stays beyond this season. Head coach David Gray has turned him from defender to all action midfielder and it has worked wonders. He has been nominated for the SFWA Player of the Year, scooped Hibs' Young Player of the Year and has been called up to the Australian national team as part of a stellar campaign. This is his second loan at the club, after spending six months in Leith last term from Sunderland. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hibs are in the driving seat for third and that placement coupled with a Celtic victory in the Scottish Cup final vs Aberdeen would seal a league phase place in either the Europa League or Conference League next season. Nectar Triantis future assessed What happens in the summer is unknown, with parent club Sunderland currently in the Championship play-offs and vying for a return to the Premier League. English pundit Lee Hendrie reckons that it's Hibs' place in Europe which could persuade all parties that the Premiership is the best place for Triantis. The former Aston Villa man told Football League World: "Hibs, obviously hoping for (the strongest) European football, and they have the services of young Sunderland defender Triantis. Obviously, he's a young talent that's definitely got bags of potential, creativity. He's got goals in him and had a good season up at Hibs. "The luxury of maybe trying to play in Europe and forecasting your skills and flair might suit him better. Will Sunderland stand in his way? That's the big question. Is he going to feature in that Sunderland side? They're a young side that are certainly up and coming, I think he'd fit the bill to come back to Sunderland and play a big part. Obviously managers have different ideas and whether he's gone out to strengthen or he's gone to Scotland to get that feel-factor which he's had a taste of. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "It'll be an interesting one, whether they do stand in his way, because you do feel letting young players go early on, and then they go and perform in European competitions. It's a big thing for a football club to let players like that go. I think he might've gone out to have that taste, and I'm pretty sure they wouldn't let him go. I think they'd set their sights on maybe keeping him for next season after the season he's had up there.' Nectar Triantis on season so far at Hibs Speaking on his development at Easter Road last week, the Socceroos man said: 'This has been one of my first proper full seasons in midfield in professional football, it has been a big learning curve for me but one that I am taking in my stride. I have really enjoyed the new position, the role the gaffer has given me and I think everyone can see that this season. 'I am just taking it game-by-game, I haven't really thought too much about next season. Football is a mental game, we have beaten them already this season and we have confidence and belief that we can go there and get a result.'
Scotsman
10-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Nectarios Triantis' future remains unclear: prospects of Hibs move, Sunderland stance and 20 per cent claim
Australian midfielder has morphed into one of best in Scottish football - but what next? Sign up to our Football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Long odds would have been given at the start of the season on Hibs' Nectarios Triantis being nominated for the Scottish Football Writers' Association player of the year award. Heck, some Hibs fans even questioned the club's judgement when it was announced that the Australian was returning for a second loan spell from Sunderland, given that his five-month stint last year was largely underwhelming. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There are no doubters now. Oh no. Triantis is one of the form midfielders in the Scottish Premiership, a 21-year-old wrecking ball with technique and talent to match. He is well worthy of being up against Celtic duo Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda plus Dundee's Simon Murray for end-of-season gongs. Hibs' Nectarios Triantis has been one of the stand-out players this season. | SNS Group Triantis' rise is more impressive when you consider that this is his first full season as a midfielder in professional football. As a kid back in Sydney, he would be put in the engine room but throughout his time at Central Coast Mariners, where he won the A-League, he was used as a centre-half. Even his early days as a Hibs player saw him utilised as a defender. It was the current head coach - fittingly up for manager of the year - who spotted his credentials as a midfielder. 'In your first season, it's full of learning and mistakes and identifying what type of player you are,' said Triantis. 'The gaffer saw that last season, and that was the reason he had that phone call with me, that chat, and gave me that heads-up that he'd want me for the midfield this season.' What a shrewd move by Gray, who deserves credit for the way he has sanded down Triantis' rough edges. Such has been the midfielder's form, he won his first call-up to the Australia main squad in March and while he wasn't stripped for action against either Japan or China, he is likely to retain his place for the June matches - when the Socceroos could confirm their place at next summer's World Cup. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Triantis' future up for debate While Triantis has much to focus on in the here and now as third-placed Hibs - three points clear of nearest challengers Aberdeen with three games to go - try to secure their status as best of the rest in the Premiership, his future is causing much debate too. Triantis is contracted to his parent club Sunderland until the summer of 2027, but what happens at the Stadium of Light hinges on the fortunes of their promotion play-off. Progress past Coventry City and then a Wembley showdown with either Sheffield United or Bristol City and the Black Cats are set to shop in a very different market to the Championship. But if they remain in England's second tier, Triantis could well come back into the picture. His form in Scotland has not gone unnoticed by other clubs. Fellow Championship side Portsmouth are reportedly interested in signing him. International recognition and the fact he is up for awards will do his prospects no harm either. He and agent Jem Karacan have much to discuss over the coming weeks. Nectarios Triantis and Hibs come up against Celtic this weekend. | SNS Group Hibs are monitoring all of this closely. Understandably they are massive admirers of Triantis, but any move from them is dependent on external factors. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In typical Aussie fashion, Triantis seems pretty laid back about all of this. "I think it's okay,' commented Triantis on the uncertainty. 'I don't think it's really a bit of a shock. I think you know that it's going to come to an end, so you sort of prep for that and that's it. You just take it game by game, so it's not really a shock, I'd say. 'Obviously, there's three games left, so you obviously focus on that. Then come the summer, who knows what can happen and what things get put on the table." Sunderland are watching closely Sunderland, under the management of Frenchman Regis Le Bris, are keeping tabs on performances at Easter Road. "They've got their play-off game, so they'll be focused on that,' said Triantis. 'Things can vary, whether they go up to the Premier League or not. They do keep in good contact with me, so it's a healthy relationship.' In what could prick the ears of interested parties, Triantis believes he is only playing to a fraction of his full potential. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I look back at my season and, for me, I'm nowhere near where I know I can be,' he said. 'I'm only at 20 per cent of what I can fully give. It's been a lot of learning for me. I don't know how else to put it. I think I've still got so much more to learn and to give. Nectarios Triantis trains ahead of Hibs' visit to Celtic Park. | SNS Group 'In the men's game, I've always been a centre-back, but obviously when I was younger in my youth ranks, I was playing in the midfield, so I wasn't opposed to it. I was pretty open to it and knew I could play that role, but obviously I didn't think it would turn out this good this season. "I've developed a lot, I think, off the field and on the field. I think I've matured a lot and people off the field have really helped me settle down. I think that's also important, getting your head right and feeling settled, feeling comfortable. It's really helped my game on the pitch.' Facing Celtic Another statement would be bossing the midfield in a win over Celtic. Triantis has already done that once this season when Hibs defeated the champions 2-1 at Easter Road, but repeating the trick at Parkhead is an altogether different task. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Football's a mental game and to know mentally that we have beaten them this season already gives us that confidence and belief that we can go there and get the win again,' added Triantis. "They're the best players. They've shown that this season. They've won the league already. You have to go in there with respect, but not too much respect. You have to stamp your authority and try to get the result.'
Scotsman
09-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hibs star talks Sunderland future, potential for development and World Cup hopes
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Premier League promotion hopes will factor into final decision for Portsmouth target Sign up to our Hibs football newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Stand-out Hibs midfielder Nectar Triantis believes he's only playing at 20 per cent of his potential as a footballer. And the Sunderland loanee admits his parent club's play-off hopes will be factor in where he plays next season. Triantis has just been short-listed for the prestigious Scottish Football Writers Association Player of the Year award. The Socceroos hopeful, who returned to Easter Road for a second loan spell in the summer, has also earned his first Australia call-up on the strength of his performances in central midfield – a change of position for a player who didn't convince at centre half in his first stint with Hibs. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Despite attracting rave reviews for his performances in the Scottish Premiership, the 21-year-old is adamant that he's only showing a fraction of his potential, insisting: "I look back at my season and, for me, I'm nowhere near where I know I can be. I'm only at 20 per cent of what I can fully give. Switch from defence to midfield key to development for Australian 'In your first season, it's full of learning and mistakes - and identifying what type of player you are. The gaffer saw that last season, and that was the reason he had that phone call with me, that chat, and gave me that heads-up that he'd want me for the midfield this season. 'In the men's game, I've always been a centre-back, but obviously when I was younger in my youth ranks, I was playing in the midfield, so I wasn't opposed to it. I was pretty open to it and knew I could play that role, but obviously I didn't think it would turn out this good this season. "It's been a lot of learning for me. I don't know how else to put it. I think I've still got so much more to learn and to give. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "I've developed a lot, I think, off the field and on the field. I think I've matured a lot and people off the field have really helped me settle down. I think that's also important, getting your head right and feeling settled, feeling comfortable. It's really helped my game on the pitch.' On his nomination for the SFWA award, Triantis said: 'I'm happy, of course. It's obviously a good feeling, a good award to get nominated for. I think it's just good personally for me to get that recognition and that applause from me. Obviously, it's a team game and the full focus is just securing third.' Portsmouth interest and Sunderland talks could influence player with World Cup hopes Still under contract to Sunderland, Triantis appears relaxed about what happens next. Asked how he's dealing with the fact that his future will be up in the air again, as soon as his loan deal expires, he said: 'I think it's okay. I don't think it's really a bit of a shock. I think you know that it's going to come to an end, so you sort of prep for that and that's it. You just take it game by game, so it's not really a shock, I'd say.' With reports yesterday linking him to Portsmouth, Hibs don't expect to have a clear run at a player David Gray would love to have in his squad next season. There is some hope, though, that the lure of playing in European competition might sway the thinking of a footballer keen to be part of next summer's World Cup. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Giving little away when asked if Hibs might hold the upper hand on that front, Triantis said: "There's a few ways you can look at that, but for me personally, I think it's about your individual performances. I don't think it matters really what club you're at or what league you're at. I think if you're performing well and you're in great form, then it gives you every chance for the national team. "I'm unsure (about what happens next). Obviously, there's three games left, so you obviously focus on that. Then come the summer, who knows what can happen and what things get put on the table? 'I've really appreciated Hibernian as a club, because they've given me that platform to really be a mainstay in the team and to showcase myself every game this season. I do appreciate that. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad "Things can vary, whether they (Sunderland) go up to the Premier League or not. They do keep in good contact with me, so it's a healthy relationship.'
