Hibs boss Lee Johnson confirms Dylan Vente IS available for Luzern clash as he reveals ‘cosmic team’ plans
HIBS have won their race against time to register Dylan Vente for their Europa Conference League clash with Luzern.
Red tape threatened to deny the Hibees their £700k star summer signing - but Lee Johnson has delivered good news with the Swiss side in town.
The striker's work permit has cleared - just hours before the Wednesday 11pm deadline and he's now clear to play.
Vente sat out the previous round encounter with Andorran minnows Inter d'Escaldes and Sunday's home reverse against St Mirren.
But if selected, he's ready to add star power to Johnson's front-line following his switch from Roda JC - and his boss says Hibs can become a COSMIC FORCE with him in the team.
Johnson said: "Dylan comes straight into the squad and I'm looking forward to that. We've got no time to waste with bringing these players on and through.
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"It's good that we've got a number of substitutes as well as the squad can really feel involved. It gives us more options.
"I'm pretty bold as a manager. I want to pick bold teams and be front foot.
"When we get that right, we're cosmic as a team. When we get it wrong, we leave too many gaps.
"It's always trying to find that balance depending on the level of opposition and your strengths as a team. I have confidence in my players. I just want them to bring their best when it matter most and it matters most on a matchday."
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He added: "This game is a huge one for us and one I believe we can win. Not just the tie, but this individual game as well."
The Easter Road chief is under pressure already after an embarrassing defeat in Andorra and then a losing start to the SPFL campaign.
Now Luzern stand between them and a glamour tie against Aston Villa and a reunion with former star John McGinn.
But Johnson says his side are not giving much thought towards that with the Swiss still in their way.
The Hibees kick off their second qualifier at 7.30pm on Thursday - 90 minutes after Hearts kick off against Rosenborg in Trondheim.
Between the double header is a trip to Fir Park to face Motherwell on Sunday.
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