Owen Elding marked his first start for Hibernian with a decisive header, impressing team-mates and manager David Gray after his January move from Sligo Rovers
Hibernian’s January capture of 19-year-old striker Owen Elding – reported to have cost around €400,000 – paid off straight away. Thrown into his first full start, Elding rose to head home before half-time as Hibs beat St Mirren 2-0 at Easter Road.
That finish didn’t just open the scoring; it helped the team consolidate fifth place, leaving them three points clear of Falkirk and breathing easier ahead of a tricky visit to Celtic.
On the surface: a tidy return. Elding’s goal arrived from the sort of aerial presence the side had been missing, and substitute Ante Suto wrapped things up after Elding was withdrawn with about 30 minutes to go.
Match stats back up what you saw — Elding won key aerial duels and played a useful role in hold-up play, helping Hibs transition from defence to attack.
There’s a practical, financial upside too. Early minutes and a goal immediately improve the €-per-minute and €-per-goal maths on the deal, turning a modest midseason signing into an asset that already looks to be delivering value.
From a squad-management angle, the January addition reduced short-term selection headaches: Hibs can now rotate with more confidence and call on a centre-forward who offers directness and physicality in the box.
Several variables will shape how big a lift this actually becomes. Elding’s physical adaptation and match fitness need monitoring, and coaching choices about how many minutes to give him will matter — especially when he’s competing with the likes of Dane Scarlett for a starting spot. The next real test arrives at Parkhead: performing against Celtic’s backline will say a lot about whether Elding is a good bet for regular involvement in high-pressure games.
Tactically, the signing gives manager David Gray extra options. Elding’s strength in the air and his ability to hold the ball up suit a more traditional centre-forward role: handy on crosses, useful on set-pieces and a reliable outlet when a direct approach is required. For other clubs and sporting directors, it’s a reminder that relatively low-cost January purchases can be pragmatic, lower-risk ways to plug attacking gaps midseason.
If Elding keeps getting minutes and continues to find the net, the transfer will look even smarter on paper. For now, Hibs have gained a player who immediately contributed on the pitch, eased short-term selection pressure, and broadened their tactical toolkit — all for a fee that, so far, appears to be good value.
