Hibs boss reacts as Manchester United loanee Will Fish scores first ever goal

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Hibernian manager Lee Johnson has explained what qualities he’d take from Manchester United loanee Will Fish when building a centre-half.

The 19-year-old, who is spending the 2022-23 campaign on loan at Easter Road, scored his first goal in professional football by netting Hibs’ sixth goal in the 6-0 hammering against Aberdeen yesterday.

The teenager, who has made one appearance for the Manchester United first team, headed home Johnson side’s final goal in what was his second start for the Scottish Premiership side.

Fish has started back-to-back games for the first time during his spell up north, and following Ryan Porteous’ move to Watford – an opportunity has presented itself for Fish to stake his claim as a mainstay in Johnson’s starting XI.

Lee Johnson explains what qualities he’d take from Manchester United loanee Will Fish when building a centre-half

Hibernian’s number 25 won four aerial duels against Aberdeen and made a staggering 11 clearances, which was five more than any other player on the pitch.

Johnson was full of praise for the United youngster following his side’s big win, and he highlighted three attributes that Fish possesses that he would incorporate when building a centre-half.

Johnson said: “I thought Will Fish really showed everything he’s about today for a young player.

“He’s a very, very good player, obviously it helps playing next to Paul [Hanlon] because Paul has got the experience – Paul’s a good talker, there is a natural balance there.

“If you wanted to build a centre-half – I’m telling you, Will Fish is what you’d build – he’s quick, he’s strong and he’s good on the ball.

“I felt he’d been a bit timid in his first couple of games and not played forward anywhere near enough.

“Aberdeen allowed him to have the ball and he made good forward-thinking decisions – there was no fear in his decisions. I thought he showed just really good pitch personality today, and for him and us that’s a really big step, and I’m looking forward to watching him play between now and the end of the season.”