Nick Montgomery insists Elie Youan is Champions League class as Hibs bost reveals half time blast at derby hero

Nick Montgomery hailed derby hero Elie Youan as Champions League class – after inspiring the Hibs attacker with a half-time blast.

Youan pounced with a double inside 83 SECONDS to salvage a point against fierce foes Hearts at Tynecastle. And Montgomery admitted he was threatening to take the forward off after struggling in the opening 45 minutes. Youan made the most of last chance saloon to write his place in the derby history books and his gaffer believes there is more to come from the Frenchman.

Montgomery said: “Elie is a fantastic player and he could play at a higher level, no doubt. But he has to be more consistent and I told him that at half time. I needed more from him because he is a player who can win you games of football and I thought his reaction in the second half was good. He wasn't on his own. There were too many who weren't good enough in the first half and Elie was one of them but I asked him to step up and he did.

“We need that from him for 90 minutes and not just 45. If the game was only 45 minutes he would be playing in the Champions League. That is something Elie has to face. He is a young player with bags of ability and that is normal.

“Sometimes it takes a couple of years to really get that consistency but there is no doubting his ability. He is a fantastic player and he is a good lad and it is about managing. The second half he reacted really well and I am really happy for him that he got two goals and we go away with a deserved point in the end.”

Montgomery admitted it wasn’t just Youan who struggled in the opening period in Gorgie as Hearts threatened to run riot. But the fightback from two down maintained his unbeaten start and give him a boost in his derby debut.

Montgomery said: “People talk