Jacob Devaney's Ambitions at Hibernian: Aiming for Trophies

Jacob Devaney has made his ambitions crystal clear at Hibernian – he has not come to Easter Road to simply gain experience. He wants trophies.

The 19-year-old midfielder has joined Hibs on loan from Manchester United, with the Edinburgh club holding an option to make the move permanent. After a promising spell at St Mirren last season, he returns to Scotland with a sharper edge and a bigger target.

“I’m really excited to be here,” he told HibsTV. “I’ve been in training the past two days and I’ve really enjoyed it – the feel of the club and the training ground.”

For Devaney, the decision was about scale and stage. The size of Hibs, the familiarity of facing them last season, and the lure of European football all pulled him back north.

“The size of the club [was what attracted me]. Playing here last season played a big part in me coming here and European competition as well – hopefully we qualify on Thursday night.

“I know the expectation of Hibs, of the fans. I want to push for titles, whether that’s the league or cups, and obviously getting to Europe as well.”

That is not the language of a teenager content to blend into the background. Devaney speaks like someone who expects to shape games, not just survive them.

Still only 19, he insists he is ready to carry responsibility in David Gray’s side. The move, he says, is not a gamble but a deliberate step in his career path.

“It was definitely the right decision for me to come up to Scotland,” he said. “I suit the style of play and I see Hibs being the next step in my journey.

“I can dominate the ball and hopefully get us playing. I see myself as a bit of a leader so I’d like to think I can bring that side of my game to Hibs as well.”

Hibs want a midfielder who can take control and set a tempo. Devaney believes he can be that player. Now he has to prove it in a season where talk of titles and Europe will quickly be tested on the pitch.