Thicot considered his Hibs future

Steven Thicot admits he has questioned his future at Hibernian this season after being left out the first team since John Hughes' appointment. The 23-year-old Frenchman made just one first-team appearance as a substitute until finally being handed his first start for almost 10 months in March's Edinburgh derby.A defensive injury crisis has ensured he has been an ever-present since and he has gradually begun to find his feet in the back four.Thicot insists he had not spent long hours bemoaning his lot because he believes it would be counterproductive.But the former Nantes player has entertained thoughts of leaving, saying: "Sometimes you ask yourself the question, because it's normal."If you don't ask yourself the question about your personal situation, it's like you're not bothered."I know I'm bothered because football is all I have and I worked since I was young to be a football player."Everything I've got up to the age of 23, it was only with hard work."So I know everything isn't easy in life."It's been difficult but there are some in different countries everywhere who have got it worse than me."Thicot, who can play anywhere along the back four, has been loath to air his grievances with Hughes, revealing he had one conversation with his manager about his future."I don't like to speak much with the manager but I spoke with the manager once about what was going on for me," he said."Of course, it's never easy for a football player to not get involved."The way I am, I never give up, so I kept working until I got my chance."Now I'm in the team and I'm doing everything every game to make sure I'm starting the next game."Thicot produced arguably his best performance since his recall when he and Sol Bamba formed the centre-back partnership in Sunday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League game against Celtic.Hibs were narrowly beaten 1-0 thanks to Robbie Keane's penalty but, otherwise, their defence held firm against the on-loan Tottenham striker.Thicot was relaxed about facing the Republic of Ireland international, saying: "It's not disrespectful but as soon as I'm on the pitch, I'm not thinking, 'I'm going to be playing against Robbie Keane'."Because, if you're doing that, it's finished for you."I've played against big-talented players, I've played with big-talented players."Such a performance would make Thicot a likely starter at Hamilton tomorrow."I hope I've done well enough," said the defender, who believes he is finally being played in his correct position."My best position is central defender but I enjoy playing right-back, even if sometimes you're quite scared because it's not your real position."Hibs will feel fourth place is not their "real position" after occupying third for so long this season.Two wins from 10 SPL matches have cost them dear and Thicot said: "The whole season, we were third in the league, so we've worked too hard to finish with regrets."It starts on Saturday against Hamilton to try to get the three points."

Source: Team_Talk