Elie Youan has backed “warrior” Harry McKirdy to bounce back from career-saving heart surgery even stronger after the rousing Easter Road reception that greeted his cameo against Motherwell.
The Hibs striker made a surprise entrance off the bench in the 85th minute of Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with the Steelmen - six months after pre-season scans detected an issue with his heart.
Despite trailing 2-1 at the time, the Hibs support gave the 26-year-old a huge ovation as he replaced Dylan Vente for the closing stages and just minutes before Youan struck an injury time leveller.
His appearance was latest step on a brave six-month journey for McKirdy who was left wondering if he’d ever kick a ball again after the shock diagnosis in July.