JOE PEP TALKS WERE MY RUDI AWAKENING

HIBS’ Rudi Molotnikov has revealed how Easter Road club captain Joe Newell drove him on to battle back from injury and kickstart his career.

- 

After he made his Scotland Under-21s bow in the 12-0 romp against Gibraltar last week, the 19-year-old is hoping to force his way into Hibs boss David Gray's plans.

The Scots youngsters are in Baku preparing for their Euro 2027 qualifier against Azerbaijan, with their confidence high after putting a dozen goals past the Iberian minnows in Dundee.

It was a proud moment for Molotnikov, who has now represented Scotland at Under 17s,19s and 21s, as his family watched him come off the bench to make his debut.