Elie Youan given magic Hibs appraisal as Steven Defour backs Easter Road transfer to make the difference

Hibs fans may be whipping themselves into a mild frenzy over the arrival of wing wizard Aiden McGeady.

But according to former Belgium star Steven Defour it’s fellow Easter Road new boy Elie Youan who is just as likely to leave the Leith faithful spellbound with his magic feet. Youan has joined up with Lee Johnson ’s squad at their Portuguese training camp having signed a season-long loan deal from St Gallen with an option to buy.

Little is known of the Frenchman among the Hibs support. But together with fellow new boys McGeady, Momodou Bojang and Jair Tavares, the 23-year-old will be expected to produce the goods in the final third. Defour has backed him to do just that and lighten up Leith as part of Johnson’s new-look frontline with his blistering pace and technical quality.

Whisper it but he might just even fill the explosive void created by Martin Boyle ’s departure in January.

Former Burnley, Porto and Anderlecht star Defour is the current assistant manager at Mechelen where Youan spent the second half of last season.

And speaking to Record Sport the 52-times capped Belgium ace said: “I think Elie can be a success in Scotland. He can make a real difference with his technical ability.

“The one-on-one duels will be tough but he is strong enough to compete.

“He has the qualities to do well.

“Elie is a very good player. I would say he is like a nine-and-a-half .. I mean he is best just behind a striker but not quite so deep because he likes to come into the ball.

“He is very quick and very good at running with the ball at his feet.

“I have no doubt he will excite the fans.

“His pace is a huge asset. But he’s strong too and not easy to push off the ball.

“He is not bad in front of goal but his big quality is