Dylan Vente hands 'cosmic' Hibs Euro boost as Lee Johnson confirms Dutch striker is available for Luzern clash

Dylan Vente WILL be available for Hibs' Euro showdown with Luzern.

The Hibees' new £700,000 striker was signed from Roda JC last week and was registered by the club. But the Dutchman was forced to wait on his work permit, which left him in a sweat ahead of the Europa Conference League third qualifying round first leg clash at Easter Road. Player and club had until 11pm on Wednesday for it to be confirmed, or else it would be a watching brief only for Vente.

But Lee Johnson has confirmed his new No 9 will be able to lead the line if selected. He said: "Dylan comes straight into the squad and I'm looking forward to that. We've got no time to waste with bringing these players on and through. It's good that you've got a number of substitutes as well as the squad can really feel involved. It gives us more options.

"This game is our sole focus. We've got a very important game on Sunday as well, but we'll adjust and make decisions off the back of the St Mirren loss for Sunday, for very different reasons.

"But this game is a huge for us and one I believe we can win. Not just the tie, but this individual game as well.

"I'm pretty bold as a manager. I want to pick bold teams and be front foot.

"When we get that right, we're cosmic as a team. When we get it wrong, we leave too many gaps.

"It's always trying to find that balance depending on the level of opposition and your strengths as a team. I have confidence in my players. I just want them to bring their best when it matter most and it matters most on a matchday."

Johnson has also confirmed that striker Harry McKirdy has successfully undergone open heart surgery.