No last goodbye for Mixu
Paatelainen close to suspension while Williamson hails young talent

AS THE SEASON DRAWS TO A CLOSE, the game against Partick Thistle this afternoon marking the end of Bobby Williamson's first full term in office it would at first glance appear to be a somewhat subdued audience that will filter through the gates of Easter Road later today. Certainly, that would have been the case had one given the issue thought a month ago - but the run of four successive wins delivered by Hibs since then along with the emergence of young talents such as Brown, Riordan, Whittaker, Thomson and Riordan has illuminated an end of season that was certain to go down as one of the most disappointing in a number of years.

That must have been of great encouragement to Williamson, given the way in which such raw talent has fitted in almost seamlessly to the Easter Road scene, particularly youngsters like Brown and Thomson who were literally unknowns to all but those diehards who attend Under 18 and Under 21 fixtures at Easter Road. Nonetheless Bobby was quick to acknowledge the support given to such talent from the staff at Easter Road - stating: "We've gave them a lot of encouragement - they've not just turned up over night! Scott Brown has been around here since he was about 13 and we've been patient as a club to try and develop their talent and their ability - we've tried to pick our times to utilise them as if they do get in and don't do so well it can set them back for long enough. Scott Brown has come in and done well and he's set standards that the fans have warmed to, and you can't let those standards stop

None of the youngsters have fitted in more flawlessly  than young Scott Brown, the striker having come from near enough nowhere to be pushing for a first team slot every week recently and appearing not to have allowed the media attention to go to his head. With regard to Brown, Bobby said: "He's got that natural enthusiasm about him and he's a very fit lad - so he knows when he goes out on that park he'll run until he drops and he doesn't have to try and pace himself - he'll chase everything, work hard, harass and close down defenders and defenders don't like that."

"It makes it easier for our defence to get organised when they know that the ball isn't going to be travelling back down their throats so quick, so he and Riordan have played their part through work rate alone, and their goals have been good for the team too."

Mixu Paatelainen - No last goodbyes this afternoon (sns)

While the youngsters have been in the limelight of late, another player who has emerged from the shadows this season has signed a new contract this week, that being Frenchman Matt Doumbe. The former man PSG has managed to gain a foothold in Bobby Williamson's plans of late and has signed a new one year deal to remain at Easter Road. With regard to the defender's performances Bobby said: "He's not the finished article by any stretch of the imagination but he's given us enough encouragement to show that he does have qualities, and its up to Matt to develop and play his part, although he's injured for tomorrow."

With regard to team news for this afternoon's clash Bobby revealed that due to the potential for a suspension that would carry into next season Mixu Paatelainen will not be involved in the clash - stating : "O'Connor is out with tendonitis, Paatelainen and Zambernardi have trained the last couple of days but Paatelainen is one booking away from a suspension and that's easily picked up for the big man so these guys won't be involved. Fenwick is suspended and Orman is ill. Basically the same squad as last week plus Murray."

As per usual, hibs.net will carry a full report from the game as soon as the match is over, along with post match commentary over the course of Sunday and Monday.