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Emiliano Marcondes can earn statement Rangers win Nick Montgomery needs but it could come at a cost - Tam McManus

The former Easter Road striker has hyped up the Danish playmaker in his latest Record Sport column.

Emiliano Marcondes celebrates with Myziane Maolida(Image: SNS Group)

Emiliano Marcondes could hold the key to Hibs unlocking a first win over Rangers in 10 meetings on Saturday. But should he produce the goods on the big stage at Ibrox he’ll also be opening the door to bigger and better offers arriving in the summer.


That’s a problem for later though. Nick Montgomery gave hope to Hibees this week that a permanent deal for the Danish playmaker, who is a free agent in a couple of months, isn’t a complete non-starter. That’s great. Maybe he really is enjoying his football that much in Leith that he would be willing to take a wage cut to stick around.


It’s all in the player’s control. One thing is for sure though, if it’s money that motivates Marcondes then he won’t be at Hibs beyond May. Right now he will be on Premier League wages at Bournemouth which Hibs can’t afford - Bill Foley dosh or not. Does he think he has one more big move? That’s his prerogative. What my old club can offer is regular football and hopefully, although there’s a lot of work to be done, a shot at Europe.


READ MORE: If I was in Rangers dressing room this is what I'd do for title run-in and it really is quite simple - Barry FergusonREAD MORE: Emiliano Marcondes Hibs transfer talks planned but Nick Montgomery insists one thing won't change

Marcondes is 29 and it could be that playing regularly is the main thing for him at this stage of his career. While we might call him a Premier League player the truth is he's only played eight minutes of Premier League football, and that in a 9-0 drubbing to Liverpool.

In total he’s featured 24 times for Bournemouth and 23 of those were in the Championship or cups. In fact he’s played less than 50 games in the last four seasons and 11 of those were in the last couple of months in Leith. So Hibs’ best hope is that he’s loving playing regularly.

Listen, I said last week I’d be astonished if the Cherries loan star was still at Easter Road next season. It’s up to Hibs to make the absolute most of him when he’s here because Marcondes is beginning to look the real deal.

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You can see his class, he’s clever, great on the ball, can see a pass and is always looking to play forward. He gets you off your seat with his ability, playing just behind the striker. He can score a goal but more than that he’s really creative and Hibs have been crying out for that type of player, especially with the movement and pace round about him.

That’s exactly what is needed at Ibrox on Saturday. These are the games that ultimately you want to play well in. You want to test yourself against the Old Firm and know that it’s a massive shop window - if you play well then not just Rangers or Celtic but other sides will be watching.

Marcondes certainly looks like he relishes the big occasion and his influence will be vital in trying to end a horrendous winless run against Rangers that stretches back to the 2021 League Cup semi final when Martin Boyle’s hat-trick helped Jack Ross’ side into their last final. That was four managers ago!


In terms of league games the record is even worse - 20 without a win. That’s completely unacceptable. Nick Montgomery hasn’t had a big result yet.

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND - JANUARY 24: Hibernian's Emiliano Marcondes against Rangers' John Lundstram during a cinch Premiership match between Hibernian and Rangers at Easter Road, on January 24, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Photo by Alan Harvey / SNS Group)

A draw with Celtic and a couple of draws with Hearts doesn’t quite cut it. He could really do with a statement victory on Saturday would be about as big as they come right now.


You have to score first there. If you lose an early goal it’s like a tidal wave of momentum from the stands and you can get swallowed up.

But if you can turn their fans by opening the scoring then you give yourself something to hold onto and Hibs have plenty of pace and guile in the forward areas to pick them off when Rangers have to throw men forward.

No disrespect to Motherwell but if they can go there and win - and deservedly so - then Hibs should be looking to do likewise. Hibs are only two points ahead of Dundee in sixth spot and Dee have a game in hand. So top six is far from guaranteed.

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It’s a huge game for so many reasons and while it’s a tough ask they have to be going there looking to end this wait for a win. If Marcondes can turn it on then they will stand a real good chance.

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