Ex Hibs midfielder Jamie McCluskey has today revealed that he is to go on trial with Serie A club Catania.
The 20-year-old product of the Hibees youth system has recently left Scottish first division side St Johnstone and spent some on trial with Serbian champions Partizan Belgrade. That trial failed to produce a contract for the diminutive youngster, but he enjoyed his time in Belgrade.
Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, McCluskey said:
"Because I was only 50 per cent fit when I trained with Partizan Belgrade, I wasn't at the levels required but, if I had been 100 per cent, then something could have happened.
"It was a great experience just training with such a massive club. I enjoyed every minute, even though I wasn't used to the weather conditions - it was blazing hot every day and because I wasn't fit it made it worse. The manager was good with me and tried to explain things. He also said I have a lot of potential and was very talented.
"The Partizan players were way ahead fitness-wise, though, and had already been involved in the Champions League qualifiers.
"I didn't get much of a chance to go out and about and see the city while I was there as no one spoke much English except a couple of players but it was still very enjoyable.
"Compared to Scotland, with the exception of the Old Firm and Hibs, Partizan's training complex was unbelievable, the pitches were cut brilliantly and you can see why countries like Serbia are producing so much talent."
Now McCluskey will be handed the chance to impress and win himself a dream contract in Serie A and face the likes of AC Milan and Juventus. The trial, as with the one with Partizan Belgrade, was set-up by McCluskey's agent, former Celtic defender Rudi Vata.
Good luck Jamie, from everyone at Hibernian-Mad.
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