Rory Whittaker earns new Hibs contract reward as record breaking debut stokes Easter Road excitement

Rory Whittaker has had his record breaking Hibs debut rewarded with a new contract.

The 16-year-old right back became the youngest ever player to make their first team debut for the Hibees in Saturday's 2-0 Premiership win over St Johnstone. New manager Nick Montgomery introduced him as a second half sub, and he almost made it the perfect first bow in green and white with a goal, but was denied late on by Saints keeper Dimitar Mitov.

But he's now put pen to paper on a new three-year deal at Easter Road, which won't even take him out of his teens before it's up. Montgomery seems set on giving the club's academy talent a chance should they impress, which is music to academy director and former Hibs striker gareth Evans' ears. he said: “First and foremost, Rory’s contract extension is very well deserved. Throughout his years in the Academy, he’s worked hard to give himself the best possible chance of succeeding.

“We were delighted to see him make his debut, and make history with Hibs, but making your debut as a young player is always the easier part. For him now, the challenge is to keep working hard and pushing himself to try and earn another chance. He has to stay humble and keep working with the same determination and desire to ensure he meets his potential.

“The opportunity that Rory received also shows that the Manager is willing to give young players a chance, which is really encouraging for the Academy. Our young players know that if they work hard, continue to develop, and impress, then they may be given that opportunity.”