Lee Johnson sets Manchester City transfer meeting as Hibs boss urges better promotion of Scottish game down south

Lee Johnson insists it’s time to reverse the trend of English clubs turning their noses up at the Scottish game.

The Hibs boss revealed he’ll hold talks with Manchester City about potential loan signings but admits it can be a hard sell down south. Johnson believes Scotland’s win over Spain last week was a shot in the arm to the credibility for the sport in this country but he’s adamant much more must be done.

He said: “We could promote the Scottish game better down in England. There’s a bit of snobbery down there, not from people who have experienced it like ex-players or former managers or coaches, but it’s a goldfish bowl up here. News doesn’t travel well down south because there are a lot of clubs and a lot of local clubs, so it stays very local down there. But as a country, Scotland need to start competing better. That’s why it was a fantastic result against Spain, I enjoyed that.

“Those moments are key across the European and international stage. The Scottish game needs to be more respected because agents worry it’ll decrease rather than increase the value of the player, so often they have quite a pull.

“Some clubs love it, the City Football Group is a good example. I’m having a chat with them next week about their top players who we could loan.

"It’s great for them because they get to experience the Champions League-type games but also the pressure of having to pummel somebody at home too.”