The Scotland under-21s goalkeeper is a target for more than one top-tier club.
According to reports, Hibs are considering a loan for Scotland under-21s goalkeeper Cieran Slicker, but will face competition from Premiership opponents.
The 21-year-old was Vaclav Hladky’s understudy as Ipswich Town earned promotion to the Premier League by finishing second in the Championship, but the Tractor Boys are now hoping to loan him out to obtain first-team experience. The Hibees, under new manager David Gray, need to sign number one after David Marshall left at the conclusion of his contract.
According to the Scottish Sun, one option under consideration is Slicker. Malky Mackay, the newly appointed sporting director, is familiar with the shotstopper from his time as SFA performance director. However, Kilmarnock are likely to compete with the capital club for his loan signing. Will Dennis has returned to Bournemouth after his loan, and while Derek McInnes is keen on getting him back, Slicker might be an alternative.
The young keeper started out in Manchester City’s academy but made the move to Portman Road last summer. Born in Oldham, he is eligible for Scotland an has 17 caps for the under-21s.
Discussing his hopes for a loan, Slicker stated: “Now is obviously the time for me to go and play, and I believe I am in an excellent position to do it. I want to go out and play games; that is my main goal.
“I always like coming away with the 21s, but I want to show people that I can do it consistently. We’ve had several meetings with the manager and goalkeeping coach, and everyone is in agreement. So we’re looking into choices to determine the best platform to assist me get started. That is the plan.
“Perhaps people will look at it and see that I did not play many games, but being around the squad and working with the boss and his staff has been almost as beneficial as playing 30 games. So that was actually a significant season.”
