Nectarios Triantis made a deadline day return to Hibernian as he joined on loan from Sunderland.
The Australian joined Hibs in January after making only two appearances for Sunderland.
Despite a difficult start, Triantis became a regular in the Scottish Premiership as a midfielder – despite his natural position as a centre-back.
The 21-year-old was expected to continue in the middle of the park for Hibs this season and he has done exactly that, taking up the no.6 role in their draw with Kilmarnock at the weekend.
Triantis made an instant impact for Hibs, with his performance deserving of a clean sheet, which was chalked off due to a 92nd minute penalty for the hosts.
The youngster’s stats tell the whole story of his second debut in Scotland, as he made 64 touches, won more dribbles than anyone on the pitch (5), more tackles than anyone else (5) and three aerial duels, as well as making four clearances and two interceptions.
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Triantis makes ‘excellent’ impact in second Hibs debut
Triantis earned high praise after the game, with manager David Gray telling the official club media: “That midfield three has never played together.
“It helps having Nectar, that defensive-minded player, who just enjoys sitting in front of the back four and also shows his quality on the ball as well. But he’s somebody who has worked in there before, he knows the club inside out, so it’s not as much of a risk to throw him straight in.
“I thought they were excellent in the game, and I think players like that being added in, and the more time we work together, it will definitely benefit us moving forward.”
Triantis was also subject to plenty of praise on social media from supporters too.
One fan claim he added ‘calmness and quality’ and praised his ‘great passing range’, while another hailed him as ‘superb’.
The Hibs X account also pointed out his ‘incredible’ dribble in the second half, which led to him hitting the crossbar with his shot.
Could he become a midfielder at Sunderland?
Triantis seems to be an absolute star in the Scottish Premiership, and while it is arguably a lower level than at Sunderland, it really begs the question as to whether they should consider playing him as a midfielder.
The Black Cats have very few natural No.6s, and while they have just snapped up Salis Abdul Samed, he will be leaving at the end of his loan spell.
If Triantis continues to impress at Hibs, then perhaps Regis Le Bris can see what he can do with him during next summer’s pre-season.
There is still a long way to go though and if Sunderland were to win promotion then it is unlikely he will get anywhere near the senior team anyway.