Keith Wright, the former Hibernian striker, believes that Steven Fletcher's lucrative move south has come too soon and fears his weaknesses will be ruthlessly exposed in the Barclays Premier League.

Keith Wright, the former Hibernian striker, believes that Steven Fletcher's lucrative move south has come too soon and fears his weaknesses will be ruthlessly exposed in the Barclays Premier League.

The 22-year-old signed a four-year deal last night to become Burnley's record signing at £3m. Wright, who has closely followed Fletcher's development since he broke into the Hibs first team as a raw 17-year-old, believes the youngster would have benefited from another season in the capital.

Speaking as he and former team-mate Mickey Weir promoted tours of Easter Road, he said: "It's a big loss to Hibs but I've watched him progressing over the last three or four years and I still don't think he's the finished article yet. I think he's away too early and, for me, he's still got a lot to learn to play at the top, top level. Money talks and he's obviously going to earn a lot more money down south and he's going to take the chance.

"On both fronts, as a fan and also as an ex-striker looking at the way he plays, I love watching him and when he's enjoying his football and playing every week he's one of the top players in the division."

Having spotted some shortcomings in his link-up play and goalscoring in watching him from the stands, the 44-year-old Skol Cup winner is concerned that Fletcher may struggle next season.

"I never had the opportunity but I would imagine you can't resist the Premiership when it comes calling," he said. "If agents are talking about the silly figures they're talking about then, one, you want to test yourself and, two, you want to earn that money.

"I can definitely see why he's going because it's too big an opportunity to turn down. Hopefully he goes there and does well, he's been good for Hibs and Hibs have been good for him. But, even watching him in international games, I just feel he's still got a bit to learn against the top players.

"He's never going to be a John Robertson type, an instinctive finisher. He scores a lot of goals from 25 yards or 12 yards and he's got to learn to be more of a penalty-box striker, where he's anticipating more in the box and that will come with age.

"In his link-up play, for me, he tries to be too clever at times when an easier pass is on and moves break down because of it. He's maybe not had too much stick for that but if he goes to the top level and moves break down he'll soon find out it's not good enough."

On Monday, Hibs signed the former Falkirk midfielder Patrick Cregg. John Hughes, the manager, says the Irishman demanded a one-year instead of a two-year deal because he wants to prove himself.

Hughes offered Cregg a contract that included a second season should he make a certain number of appearances. "But it was Patrick who said to give him a year because he believes that by Christmas I'll be wanting him to sign an extension, he has that hunger and determination in him," explained Hughes. "The fans will see he has that fire in his belly, that determination. He won't let anyone down, he lives his life right.

"The supporters will take to him because they like a guy who is up for the cause. If his only fault is that we have to pull the reins in a bit at times then what a fault to have.

"Look at his grounding, coming from Arsenal to Falkirk, an Irish Under-21 player. He's a fantastic football player, his ability isn't in doubt. He's a real bundle of energy, someone with a great work ethic and a real will to win.

Cregg said: "I loved working with the gaffer at Falkirk, so to be joining him at a club the size of Hibernian is a great opportunity for me. I'm very excited about pre-season and can't wait to start work at the training centre this week with the rest of the boys."

Meanwhile, Guillaume Beuzelin, the former Hibs midfielder, has admitted he would be open to a return to Scottish football after being released by Coventry City.