Strathspey Thistle manager Brian Grant believes his attacker Josh Peters’ move to Championship club Hibs can be the passport to international honours.
The 19-year-old former Caley Thistle player signed for the Easter Road club on Monday after impressing on trial.
He had attracted the attention of Premier League clubs Ross County and Hamilton Accies, as well as Raith Rovers, but Hibs got their man and Grant believes the forward is capable of matching the achievements of former Cove Rangers midfielder Paul Coutts who earned Scotland under-21 selection and is now plying his trade in League 1 in England with Sheffield United.
Grant said: “Josh has been a delight to work with over the last few years, it was always his dream to make a living in full-time football and it goes without saying that he joins Hibs with very best wishes of everyone here at Strathspey Thistle.
“Josh is a very good listener, and I’m sure if he does the right things he will be fine. With full-time training and coaching he could go far in the game, just like Paul Coutts, who went on to gain several Scotland under-21 caps and is now doing really well at Sheffield United.
“It is a fantastic news for Josh. He was even picked up and taken to the training ground by Hibs new loan signing from Celtic, Anthony Stokes, not a bad start at all.”
Grant believes that Peters’ move into full-time football could act as a spur for other youngsters, when he added: “If Josh can make the move from Strathspey Thistle to Hibs, getting the opportunity to play with us in the Highland League can really put a talented young player in the shop window.
“Like Paul Coutts, who was released by Aberdeen as a youngster, Josh has shown second chances do come along.
“Playing in the Highland League is the ideal stage for a promising young footballer to get noticed by full-time clubs.”