Rocky Bushiri: Defender on why he compared to Vincent Kompany and how much he researched Hibs

As part of the due diligence carried out before agreeing the loan switch from Norwich to Leith, he had spoken to friends who know Scottish football and the Glasgow club well so while the likes of Dedryck Boyata and Jason Denayer sold him on the move north, they also ensured he went into that first game well aware of the size of the task.

“I know about Celtic from a few friends, Boyata and Denayer used to play there. They’re a big team in Scotland and they have won the league so many times.

“It’s exciting. You want to do good against the top teams, everyone is 2000 per cent motivated.

“I’m sure we will give our best and do our best.”

As well as the Belgium connection – he also quizzed former Hibee Stephane Omeonga – he tapped into family connections.

“I spoke with Boyata’s dad because he is close with my dad and my uncle.

“Of course, especially for a defender this is a really good league. You are in difficult situations and the motivation to have clean sheets always makes you better.

“In Belgium we want a clean sheet but in the UK it is different, before you start a game it’s no matter what, clean sheet first. That’s very good.

“They [Boyata and Denayer] did well at Celtic. I hope I can help Hibs as much as I can and give my best.”

Compared to Vincent Kompany in his early days, 22 year-old Bushiri is still aiming for similar heights.

“I had no fear, you know, at youth team level I was captain of most of my teams, and he was my model. When I was playing youth football they compared me to him because of my physicality and stuff and I made my debut early also.

“It’s a great motivation for me, it’s not a pressure. It’s a positive, and then, yeah, when you are with the national team you see each other, and that’s just really