Source: Team_Talk
Hibs youngster signs new deal
Hibernian youngster Scott Smith has set his sights on a place in the first team after signing a new two-year contract.[LNB] The highly-rated 18-year-old has agreed a deal which keeps him at Easter Road until 2012.[LNB]The Scotland Under-19 international is now determined to force his way into manager John Hughes' plans and become the next Academy graduate to make the breakthrough.[LNB]Smith said: "I only have one ambition at the moment - to get into the first team.[LNB]"I'm going to keep working hard and will try and catch the gaffer's eye.[LNB]"I'm delighted that I'll be here for another couple of seasons and I really want to make an impression and get into the first team."[LNB]Hughes has urged defender Smith - who represented the young Scots during last month's Euro qualifiers in Croatia - to challenge his first team regulars for a place in the side.[LNB]He said: "I want players like Scott Smith to try and knock the current regulars off their pedestals.[LNB]"This is their chance, they need to act like men, learn fast and take the opportunity when it comes their way.[LNB]"Scott's a right good player with a lot of potential and we need the likes of him to be pushing towards the first 11 - that's how the whole standard at the club will progress."[LNB]Youth Academy manager Bill Hendry added: "It is great news - both for the player and for Hibernian.[LNB]"Scott is a real winner, he sets himself high standards and hates to lose.[LNB]"He is a very vocal player who encourages his team-mates, reads the game well and puts his body on the line for the team.[LNB]"Scott has got experience at international level and in his time with the Academy he established himself as a committed defender, an excellent leader and a player with immense potential."
