By Hibernian FC

Academy prospect Josh Landers was delighted to be back on the pitch and scoring goals after marking his return from injury with a crucial goal in the wee Hibees 4-2 victory over Aberdeen last time out.

The 17-year-old striker has been prolific in front of goal for Darren McGregor’s U18s over the last two seasons – and made a promising start to the 2024/25 campaign, bagging four goals in his first four league games.

Unfortunately, Landers suffered a setback in August – breaking a bone in his arm which has kept him on the sidelines for nearly three months.

Speaking to hibernianfc.co.uk, the promising youngster explained how challenging the last few months have been.

“It was three months ago against Rangers when it happened and I was gutted at the time. I had started the season really well and it was an exciting time for me, I was scoring goals and playing well but it was just bad timing.

“These things happen – it was a small bone in my forearm that I broke and I just landed awkwardly on it.

“It was a kick in the teeth, I had to get surgery on my arm – which is the first time I had to experience that. It was deflating at the time, but I knew I needed to get my head down and work through it.”

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Due to the nature of the injury, Josh was able to keep up his fitness and take part in some aspects of non-contact training to ensure he stayed fresh and sharp for his return.

“The first month was hard, but due to the nature of the injury, I could do stuff pretty quickly afterwards. So, I could get back running and was back on the pitch kicking a ball quite soon after.

“I then moved to non-contact training, which was good at the start, but it gets boring because you can’t get fully involved.

“It was nice to get properly back out there in full training, it is good to be back in those surroundings with the boys and feel part of it all again.

“Now, I feel very good, I feel fit and ready to play – like I said, I have been running for the last two months or so, so this is probably the fittest I have ever been and the best physical state I have been in.”

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During his spell on the sidelines, Landers watched on as the U18s continued their positive start to the campaign. The wee Hibees have lost just once this season and are challenging at the top of the league, having won seven of their 11 league games so far and safely reached the Fourth Round of the Scottish Youth Cup.

“It is tough watching from the sidelines,” Landers continued.

“You are always itching to go on and affect the game – even though you know can’t! You always see games differently from the sidelines, so it is frustrating not being able to make an impact.

“Having said that, the boys have been brilliant. There has been a big improvement from last year, a lot of the boys have come on physically since last year and we are working harder as a team.

“It is a good changing room to be a part of – all the lads get on, we all like each other and that transpires onto the pitch. It was nice to watch the boys winning, but as a player – you want to be a part of that.”

Just under three months since Landers went off injured against Rangers, he was back on the pitch and making an impact – marking his return with an expertly taken goal to secure all three points against Aberdeen on Friday (15 November).

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“I only came on for the last half an hour but that was the perfect return for me. I think I had scored four goals in four before my injury, so it was good to pick up where I left off. Hopefully, I can kick-on from here.

“The sky is the limit for this team. We have a good group, a solid team and we can definitely challenge for the league if we can keep up the performances we have been putting in. We would love a cup run too, and the chance to lift the Scottish Youth Cup at Hampden would be really special.”