HIBERNIAN defender Neal Eardley admits he is determined to make up for lost time at Easter Road having suffered cruciate ligament injuries and a dislocated shoulder in the last three years.
The 27-year-old has joined Neil Lennon’s side on a deal until January after impressing on trial and is itching to return to first team action for the first time since January.
The former Birmingham defender, who has 16 caps for Wales, is not letting his luckless run on the sidelines allow him to wallow in self-pity and has vowed to make the most of his chance at the Leith outfit.
Eardley, who could be included in tomorrow’s squad for the televised Championship visit of Dundee United, said: “It's been a very frustrating three years from a personal point of view. I don't like to make excuses but the injuries I had were really bad ones.
“Birmingham was a great club with good people but the injuries were just so unfortunate. It was not like it was a recurring problem I had.
“It was two cruciate ligament injuries on either side and a dislocated shoulder. What can you do?
“Now I’m part of the football club I’d like to think I’ve left all that behind me and I can look forward to a really positive year.”
Meanwhile, Simon Murray admits he was flattered to be wanted by Hibernian – but would like nothing more than to gun down Dundee United's title rivals tomorrow.
The striker was the subject of an audacious approach by the Easter Road club at the end of the August transfer window which was kicked out by Tannadice manager Ray McKinnon.
Murray, 24, is gearing up for Sunday's showdown with Neil Lennon's team where United will be looking for victory to close the early-season gap to just two points.
Murray said: “I didn’t know much about it, other than what I read in the paper. The manager did mention it, too, but it never really crossed my mind.
“The gaffer said he wants to keep me here so I’m happy with that. It’s good that he has faith in me. It is nice to see clubs interested in you.
“Even before I came to United and was still at Arbroath there was interest from Hibs. However, I’m here and delighted to be so. All I want to do is go there and score on Sunday.
“Hopefully, I can get a goal and that we can get the victory, which is the most important thing.”
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