James Keatings

[smithy_hibees]

So me and my hibs mates have split opinions on this young lad..

10 goals in 39 games for me isn't the best return especially when in the championship, I know he has decent set pieces etc but we didn't just sign him to take corners and free kicks I hope..

What's others thoughts on him??

[Hibee Mac]

The goals he scores are almost always class and he's obviously a good finisher.

However I agree the goals to games doesn't make for great viewing and he seems to have a knack for completing disappearing during games.

[500miles]

40 games and I doubt he's played up front in half of them. Usually wide or top of the diamond.

Although lone striker against Aye was baffling.

[B.H.F.C]

Has ability but must do more IMO.

[hibby6270]

So me and my hibs mates have split opinions on this young lad..

10 goals in 39 games for me isn't the best return especially when in the championship, I know he has decent set pieces etc but we didn't just sign him to take corners and free kicks I hope..

What's others thoughts on him??

You're right. A proven goalscorer taking corners and free kicks is a waste, no matter how good the delivery is. Used to do the same with Leigh when he was with us. He did make up fir it by scoring more goals from open play though, so we probably didn't mind as much but I still thought most of the time it was a waste not having him in the box to receive the ball coming in.

Even without the hoo-ha of Liam's magical deliveries in the Cup Final, if we need a player to be a dead ball specialist, we should have tried harder to get him back.

Anyway. I digress. I like Keatings. He can score goals - when given the opportunity. He just never gets a prolonged run in the team, either by Lennon's tinkering with formations or sadly because he is prone to injury. When fit he would be straight in the team imo, either up front with support from the likes of Cummings, Holt or even Graham. Or play just off a front two to pick up scraps which I think is his forte. We just don't see it often enough unfortunately.

[QMU-1875]

Been unlucky with injuries, I think he is the man to take the role that Shinnie is currently supposed to be playing in. Can see him making a major contribution from there, very creative, his assists in recent weeks shows delivery is pin point.

[Nicho87]

He was coming on to a real game before his injury at dunfermline imo

[Elephant Stone]

So me and my hibs mates have split opinions on this young lad..

10 goals in 39 games for me isn't the best return especially when in the championship, I know he has decent set pieces etc but we didn't just sign him to take corners and free kicks I hope..

What's others thoughts on him??

He'll have been a sub in the vast majority of those games, and he normally gets quite a shan amount of time at that if my memory serves me correctly, so I wouldn't be judging him too much on his goals return.

[lord bunberry]

There always seems to be someone better than him in every position he can play. He's never been a regular starter in the time he's been here, but he did play his part in the cup final. I can see him being released at the end of the season.

[pacoluna]

championship player, players like him, boyle, graham etc aren't spl quality and when we do go up I expect them to move on.

[JDHibs]

Never been a starter here and never will be.

Dont think hes good enough for the SPL hence why hes never played there. Doesnt even stand out in the championship.

Good for set pieces but doesnt offer enough, often enough in open play.

[rotherhamrob]

I think he is underrated,given a decent run upfront I think he'd score regularly.

[jonny]

I like him. I think he's quick and direct, he might be an option for the wide left position with Boyle on the right - I'm still far from convinced about Humphrey.
I think if Keats is played up top he needs a partner to feed off, I don't think he's suited to the lone striker role.

[snooky]

:aok: He's a thinker and he can play a bit.

[BOB MARLEYS DUG]

I think he is underrated,given a decent run upfront I think he'd score regularly.

This

[Swedish hibee]

Meh.

[J-C]

Plays best when allowed to just float around behind the main striker, he takes up good positions and has an eye for goal but either gets injured when he starts coming into form or just loses form and is inconsistent, has the ability but I fear he's at his level and we'll need better next season when we go up.

[Steve20]

Decent player.

[The Harp Awakes]

An intelligent player who's been unlucky with injuries just at times when he'd broken into the team as a regular starter. As good a finisher as we have at the Club and I still think there's better to come from him if he can steer clear of injuries. I do agree with others who say that he can be quiet in some games, so I think he needs to work on consistency, however his ability is not in question, and I think he would not be out of place placing at a higher level.

[scooby]

This

100% this

[Sproule Three]

Went missing completely at Ipox last year in game we lost 4-2 -completely bottled it!
No doubt has ability but that's unfortunately my abiding memory of him !
Not good enough if we get promoted !

[blackpoolhibs]

He's ok, some good some not so good. There's normally a reason why players are not picked as often as they themselves would like, it's normally because there's someone better.

Flatters to deceive for me, with the odd decent performance. Squad player at the very most in my opinion.

[Smartie]

I like him.

2 things struck me about him on Saturday - I thought he played really badly and he is not remotely suited to playing up front on his own, but fair play to him, he kept going and even when he was not playing well he managed to put in a great ball and create a goal. Our deliveries are all too often substandard.

He's been unlucky with injuries, in that he's been hampered just as he's been getting into a bit of decent form at least twice.

His versatility will help his cause - it is always good to have a player who can be shuffled into 2 or 3 positions and put in a shift.

If Cummings were to leave I wouldn't be against him getting a chance in his place. I don't think he's quite as good as Cummings but he's not far off it. Just because Eoin Doyle wasn't as good as Griffiths didn't mean he wasn't good enough to play for us.

I'd be in no rush to get rid of him if we went up. Most of the Premier League teams are no better than 7 or 8 Championship teams, and I do think he'd do fine if we went up.

He has to play up front with a strike partner though, or in a slightly withdrawn role. He was hung out to dry on Saturday.

[Jones28]

This

Ditto

[Golden Bear]

He's a good football player but I still don't know what his best position is. I think the Manager is of the same opinion.

:wink:

[Geo_1875]

Top scorer for hertz when they got promoted. Obviously revelled in their fast, direct style of play. More likely to score from our third pass than our thirtieth.

[TRC]

Scores absolute worldies then misses the easier chances break away against Hearts springs to mind

[Zazu62]

As a striker he's no bad. Tip of the diamond/playmaker it's a no from me.

[CMurdoch]

Takes a good free kick and corner which is important as other than Jason I am struggling to think of any other Hibs player who can.

Think his best position is just behind the strikers putting away the scraps.

Only 24 so will continue to improve.

Would make a decision on him after next season.

May eventually end up moving to an SPL club outside the top 5.

[matty_f]

I like him, would keep him if we could.

[JackLadd]

I'd play him on Sunday as #10 behind Cummings. It's close between him and Boyle. I'd start Boyle as well as Humphrey was by all accounts mince vs Ayr.

Midfield to front go with:

Boyle Fyvie Bartley McGinn
Keats
Jason

[neil7908]

I like him but not convinced he's got the all round attributes to be an SPL striker who scores consistently.

Have a feeling he's found his level in the championship but would be delighted to be proved wrong as seems like he gives 100% and has a great attitude.

[Heisenberg]

Wouldn't give him a new contract. Consistently failed to make a proper impact in his time here.

[GreenNWhiteArmy]

I like him.

2 things struck me about him on Saturday - I thought he played really badly and he is not remotely suited to playing up front on his own, but fair play to him, he kept going and even when he was not playing well he managed to put in a great ball and create a goal. Our deliveries are all too often substandard.

He's been unlucky with injuries, in that he's been hampered just as he's been getting into a bit of decent form at least twice.

His versatility will help his cause - it is always good to have a player who can be shuffled into 2 or 3 positions and put in a shift.

If Cummings were to leave I wouldn't be against him getting a chance in his place. I don't think he's quite as good as Cummings but he's not far off it. Just because Eoin Doyle wasn't as good as Griffiths didn't mean he wasn't good enough to play for us.

I'd be in no rush to get rid of him if we went up. Most of the Premier League teams are no better than 7 or 8 Championship teams, and I do think he'd do fine if we went up.

He has to play up front with a strike partner though, or in a slightly withdrawn role. He was hung out to dry on Saturday.

Agreed

[scotiaf]

I think he has something but not a forward that plays on the tip, he did have around 10 corners on Saturday and nothing came off them.

[where'stheslope]

I like Keatings, his work rate is often not seen by fans as he is running off the ball making room for others.

He is a quality goal scorer in this league, but has already had the chance to go to the Premiership with Yams and decided to come to us?

I don't think he will stay when we are promoted, but he could have a big say in us getting promoted.

Playing along side Cummings would be his best position, with quick possession to the front two a must, both are fast and mobile and can finish.

[MWHIBBIES]

I think he has something but not a forward that plays on the tip, he did have around 10 corners on Saturday and nothing came off them.Fontaine headed 2 over the bar and Graham had one cleared off the line. You don't have to score from a corner for the kick to be good.

[MWHIBBIES]

I like Keatings, his work rate is often not seen by fans as he is running off the ball making room for others.

He is a quality goal scorer in this league, but has already had the chance to go to the Premiership with Yams and decided to come to us?

I don't think he will stay when we are promoted, but he could have a big say in us getting promoted.

Playing along side Cummings would be his best position, with quick possession to the front two a must, both are fast and mobile and can finish.Last time they played together upfront they were terrible and Rangers beat us 4-2. This place was in meltdown about it after crying that Malonga should've started.

[Lancs Harp]

Plays best when allowed to just float around behind the main striker, he takes up good positions and has an eye for goal but either gets injured when he starts coming into form or just loses form and is inconsistent, has the ability but I fear he's at his level and we'll need better next season when we go up.

Would be my thnking too.

[Unseen work]

Not so young, is now 25.

I don't know, he has a good touch and when he does score they're very good finishes.

I'm unsure if he has the striker instinct though.

Can we play him as a 10? He has everything you need for that position except for having the ability to take a game by the scruff of the neck.

Iv never seen him completely control a game, which is what you're looking for your 10 to do.

No doubt he is a good option for our squad though.

[007 Mickey Weir]

I really like him. Fights for everything and has a great delivery from corners and free kicks. Not a striker though. Saturday was silly to play him as a lone striker.

[Unseen work]

I think he would flourish more being a "big fish in a small pond" so to speak.

At hibs there are currently a lot of very good players that will ooze confidence.

[FC Leige]

championship player, players like him, boyle, graham etc aren't spl quality and when we do go up I expect them to move on. Its the SPL we are taking about not La Liga. In terms of quality there is no difference between the top 4 in the Championship and bottom 6 in the SPL. Boyle got his game for Dundee and Graham was a regular for Ross Co.

[500miles]

If Keatings is going to make the step up to being regular, he needs to add strength to his game. Low centre of gravity, good touch, direct, decent turn of pace, good delivery and cabin can score goals. He just gets knocked around too easily.

[blackpoolhibs]

I like Keatings, his work rate is often not seen by fans as he is running off the ball making room for others.

He is a quality goal scorer in this league, but has already had the chance to go to the Premiership with Yams and decided to come to us?

I don't think he will stay when we are promoted, but he could have a big say in us getting promoted.

Playing along side Cummings would be his best position, with quick possession to the front two a must, both are fast and mobile and can finish.

I love it when some folk think they see more than others when watching a game. Brian Kerr used to do a lot of that stuff a lot of us seemed to miss, i missed his quality too.

[J-C]

Its the SPL we are taking about not La Liga. In terms of quality there is no difference between the top 4 in the Championship and bottom 6 in the SPL. Boyle got his game for Dundee and Graham was a regular for Ross Co.

We aren't aiming to be bottom 6 SPL though, I'd be disappointed if we weren't top 6 easily and we need better to get us there.

[Lancs Harp]

We aren't aiming to be bottom 6 SPL though, I'd be disappointed if we weren't top 6 easily and we need better to get us there.

Tryng to compete with the ugly sisters is obviously very difficult, given resources, size of support etc. But with resect to next tier of teams, for want of a better expression, Hibs, Hearts and Aberdeen there is no reason what so ever for us not being the leading club taking the fight to the old firm.

[bruno]

Top scorer for hertz when they got promoted. Obviously revelled in their fast, direct style of play. More likely to score from our third pass than our thirtieth.


no he wasn't

3rd equal

Nice guy, good squad player but missed way more chances than he scored, very one footed. On his day could look very good but wasn't often enough

far too inconsistent to achieve at a higher level

can see him joining Falkirk or Morton at end of the season

[hibsboy69]

I like Keatings. He's been very unlucky with injuries (has picked up knocks just as he's had a run of games).

Don't forget the 2 goals he scored against Falkirk in the Play Off last year (massive game and he turned up). He also scored in the Scottish Cup 1/4 Final vs ICT last year (big game and he turned up).

As mentioned on this thread, his deliveries from Free Kicks and corners are wicked at times. He looks a busy/intelligent player every time I've seen him.

I'd definitely keep him. :agree:

[3pm]

Interesting debate about the ex-jambo in the run up to the derby. :aok:

[Tyler Durden]

We aren't aiming to be bottom 6 SPL though, I'd be disappointed if we weren't top 6 easily and we need better to get us there.

I don't think we would need many changes to be top 6.

Re Keatings. If you view him as a squad player, a replacement for Cummings when he needs a rest, then I would be happy to keep him. Over the last 20 years we haven't had many better strikers sitting on the bench.

If we don't keep him he would easily get a deal at Motherwell, Dundee, Killie etc

[pacoluna]

Its the SPL we are taking about not La Liga. In terms of quality there is no difference between the top 4 in the Championship and bottom 6 in the SPL. Boyle got his game for Dundee and Graham was a regular for Ross Co.

sorry but playing in the SPL with players like keatings and boyle wouldn't push us on. They are far too inconsistent even at this level.

[KWJ]

Decent backup.

[The Leith Dutch]

You're right. A proven goalscorer taking corners and free kicks is a waste, no matter how good the delivery is. Used to do the same with Leigh when he was with us. He did make up fir it by scoring more goals from open play though, so we probably didn't mind as much but I still thought most of the time it was a waste not having him in the box to receive the ball coming in.

Even without the hoo-ha of Liam's magical deliveries in the Cup Final, if we need a player to be a dead ball specialist, we should have tried harder to get him back.

Anyway. I digress. I like Keatings. He can score goals - when given the opportunity. He just never gets a prolonged run in the team, either by Lennon's tinkering with formations or sadly because he is prone to injury. When fit he would be straight in the team imo, either up front with support from the likes of Cummings, Holt or even Graham. Or play just off a front two to pick up scraps which I think is his forte. We just don't see it often enough unfortunately.

One of the things that has pissed me off about Hibs for a long time is that we don't improve at things that can and should be addressed on the training ground.

Maligned by some but I really liked Beckham as a player.
He wasn't imo gifted - he just worked his arse off and kept kicking the same delivery until he could replicate it every time.

I'd stop short of saying "simple" but it is just hard work on the training ground and every professional footballer should be able to improve to a level that they can hit the same delivery most times.

Watching most of the folk in the Hibs team and the set pieces they hit seem to be bordering on ****ing random.

And don't get me started on throw ins - we've been shocking at them for pretty much as long as I can remember.

[easty]

One of the things that has pissed me off about Hibs for a long time is that we don't improve at things that can and should be addressed on the training ground.

Maligned by some but I really liked Beckham as a player.
He wasn't imo gifted - he just worked his arse off and kept kicking the same delivery until he could replicate it every time.

I'd stop short of saying "simple" but it is just hard work on the training ground and every professional footballer should be able to improve to a level that they can hit the same delivery most times.

Watching most of the folk in the Hibs team and the set pieces they hit seem to be bordering on ****ing random.

And don't get me started on throw ins - we've been shocking at them for pretty much as long as I can remember.

Beckham was very gifted.

[where'stheslope]

I love it when some folk think they see more than others when watching a game. Brian Kerr used to do a lot of that stuff a lot of us seemed to miss, i missed his quality too.

Sorry if I offended anyone!

The way I phrased it the way I did, was because some players take pelters from fans for not doing anything with the ball in possession, but the fans don't always appreciate the reason he has not made the pass is other lazier players whom the fans maybe like are not moving to take possession and when the ball is lost the player gets roasted by the fans for being useless!

[Highland_Hibee]

He suffers the same sort of form that Boyle does. Drifts in and out the team covering a variety of positions. Puts in the odd performance that makes you wonder how we do without him then next time out, nothing much.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JackLadd]

I would start him behind Cummings. He got two goals at his last Tykecastle visit, obviously likes the ground is quick and can finish when in the mood. Holt is slow and can't finish but does offer physical presence, a good sub to bring on when Hertz are tiring late on.

[easty]

I would start him behind Cummings. He got two goals at his last Tykecastle visit, obviously likes the ground is quick and can finish when in the mood. Holt is slow and can't finish but does offer physical presence, a good sub to bring on when Hertz are tiring late on.

I see it the other way around. You want someone quick with movement later on when they're tired. Bringing on Holt, late on, gives their defence a breather. Might be a more physical battle for them, but they'll prefer that to chasing someone playing on the shoulder, I reckon.

[greenlex]

I love it when some folk think they see more than others when watching a game. Brian Kerr used to do a lot of that stuff a lot of us seemed to miss, i missed his quality too.

To be fair you don't see it on the telly.

[JackLadd]

I see it the other way around. You want someone quick with movement later on when they're tired. Bringing on Holt, late on, gives their defence a breather. Might be a more physical battle for them, but they'll prefer that to chasing someone playing on the shoulder, I reckon.


The only good displays I've seen from Holt recently were as sub. It's not just pace that can trouble tiring defenders, they are less able to compete physically especially against a strong dude like Holt.

[blackpoolhibs]

To be fair you don't see it on the telly.

To be even fairer, you dont get replays at the game.