Daryl Horgan insists the opportunity to work with Paul Heckingbottom has been a long time coming as he shines under the Hibernian head coach.
The Republic of Ireland international has revealed that he went on trial with Barnsley as a fresh-faced youngster when Heckingbottom was still the head of youth at Oakwell.
However, their partnership has been worth the wait, with the 26-year-old turning in a string of impressive showings since the Englishman’s arrival, culminating in his match-winning brace in Hibs’ 2-1 triumph over Hearts on Saturday.
Horgan said: “I was on trial at Barnsley when he [Heckingbottom] was the youth-team coach. Our paths have actually crossed a couple of times.
“I was aware that he was interested in me at Barnsley – but we’ve not spoken about that since! It just didn’t work out and I ended up going to Preston.
“So, it’s funny how things end up happening and we’re both here now at the same time. It’s good that he knew about me but I still need to go out there and do the business.
“It’s not just me, he’s been really good for everyone here.”
Horgan’s heroics cancelled out Peter Haring’s first-half opener to secure a maiden win at Tynecastle for Hibs since 2013.
He continued: “The run we’ve been on since he came in has been unbelievable. We’re unbeaten in eight [league matches] and we’re playing some good stuff.
“There are a lot of good signs, but it doesn’t really mean anything if we throw it away in the last five games.”
Souttar said: “If we get that [penalty] it completely changes the game in our favour.
“When we both reflect later, there will be things I could have done better in my game. But I’m sure he [Collum] will be thinking the same.
“I thought it was a stonewaller.”
