HAPPY EASTER; Coyle tips Walker to be saviour.
Loan star Andy Walker was last night tipped to lead Hibs to Premier League safety.The veteran hitman scored both goals in a stunning debut as the Easter Road outfit grabbed a crucial point in Saturday's 2- 2 thriller against Aberdeen.
But it came as no surprise to his former Bolton mate Owen Coyle.
The Motherwell striker reckons that Walker is still one of the deadliest finishers in British football - even at the age of 32.
And he believes Handy Andy is just the man to put a big smile on the face of the suffering Hibees support.
Jim Duffy's men have now gone 12 games without a win - but there were enough signs on Saturday to suggest they are ready to climb out of that rut.
Coyle said: "Andy has scored goals with every club he has been at. It will be the same again with Hibs although a lot will depend on the service he receives from his team- mates.
"I watched the Aberdeen game and it's fair to say Andy did get lot of quality balls, particularly from Andy Dow. If the ammunition is there, Andy will stick the ball into the net.
"I know he will do a great job for Hibs. Apart from his obvious skills, he's a bubbly character to have around the place and he'll see to it there will always be a laugh in the dressing room.
"Andy is a clever man. He's witty. What's more he's a cracking footballer."
Ironically, Coyle was just a phone call from becoming a Hibs player himself - before the arrival of his Burnden Park buddy Walker.
Duffy tried to sign Coyle but the move was blocked by Motherwell boss Alex McLeish.
Coyle added: "I was flattered on both counts. Flattered that Jim Duffy showed interest - and flattered that Big Eck didn't want to sell me.
"But I'm committed to Motherwell and all I'm thinking about right now is Saturday's game against Dunfermline at Fir Park.
"I'll be keeping an eye out for how Andy does when he returns to his old hunting ground at Parkhead.
"I know just how much Andy is excited by the prospect. He scored a lot of goals for Celtic, the fans liked him a lot and I'm sure he will receive a tremendous reception and deservedly so.
"Andy and I have always been good pals and I'm glad to see him back in Scotland.
"Hibs players such as Andy Dow, Tony Rougier and Kevin Harper are all capable of supplying the ammo. That's the only invitation Andy needs.
"He's going to score goals - and Stevie Crawford, who is in the same mould and has done a terrific job - will enjoy working with him."
Motherwell are on a high after last Saturday's stunning win over Dundee United.
Coyle said: "That was our first home win since beating Raith Rovers way back in March. It was good to end that sequence and we'll be looking to build on it when we meet Dunfermline.
"It's one very interesting Premier League. At the top you've got Hearts, Rangers and Celtic and they've opened up quite a gap ahead of the rest of us.
"Take away those three and it's desperately close. There's really nothing between the teams, it's all swings and roundabouts.
"There's nothing but optimism at Fir Park. We've come through a spell when no fewer than nine first- team regulars were out through injury or suspension.
"That puts a considerable burden on the young players although it's got to be said they've acquitted themselves really well.
"Players such as Stephen McMillan have been outstanding while among the older lads, John Philliben has come back in and is playing as well as ever."
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| Title Annotation: | Sport |
|---|---|
| Author: | Docherty, John |
| Publication: | Daily Record (Glasgow, Scotland) |
| Date: | Dec 19, 1997 |
| Words: | 619 |
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