Nick Montgomery in Hibs 'Sunshine on Leith' confession as boss fires back at Steven MacLean 'dark arts' claim

Nick Montgomery ensured he was well versed in everything Hibs including learning the words to Sunshine on Leith within days of landing the top job.

Since arriving in Edinburgh a fortnight ago the new boss has taken a quiet moment to sit in an empty Easter Road imagining a full house belting out the anthem. Now the 41-year-old Hibs chief is determined to sprinkle a bit of sunshine on his new patch himself. Montgomery is desperate to get a tune out his squad and has challenged them to turn his visualisation into reality by winning big games regularly and giving their fans more opportunities to belt out the spine-tingling Proclaimers hit.

The next week offers a chance to get back to Hampden with a Viaplay Cup quarter final against St Mirren in Leith on Wednesday. But before then Montgomery is licking his lips at his home debut as boss when St Johnstone come calling - and seeing his new home packed to the rafters.

He said: “I’m big on visualisation. I had a look around the stadium and imagined the place rocking. I’ve seen clips on YouTube from big games when the fans are in full voice.

“Sunshine on Leith? I’ve watched that numerous times. It makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. I’d love to see it in real life now. But you need to win some big games to get that and that’s what I aim to do.

“I know the words, yes. I’ll be joining in for sure .. even if I’ve not got a good voice! When I got the job I had a look, it’s a famous song and the Proclaimers are a famous band. They have great music and I’ve always been a fan.

“Actually seeing the fans singing the song and the players talking about it .. David Gray is on my staff and I’ve spoken to him about it as well. That must drive the boys on to win big games because