Ex-Scotland star’s son leaves Scottish football as he seals exit from Prem club

HIS dad scored 70 goals across two different spells at Hibs and became a club legend at Easter Road.

But Josh O’Connor, 20, has called it a day in Leith after making just three first team appearances and failing to score a single senior goal.

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Son of Hibs icon Garry, Josh spent his entire youth career at Easter Road but didn’t manage to break into the first team despite being previously considered one of their biggest prospects.

Now he will begin a new chapter of his career in Ireland after agreeing his permanent exit to join Crusaders.

The 20-year-old has penned an 18-month-long deal with the top flight club.

A Hibs statement read: “We can confirm that Josh O’Connor has joined Crusaders FC on a permanent transfer. 

“A product of the Hibernian FC Academy, Josh joined the Club when he was 10 years old and steadily progressed through the youth grades. 

“He signed his first professional contract in 2020 and made his First Team debut in March 2022, coming off the bench against Aberdeen at Pittodrie. 

“Josh played a key role in helping the U18s lift the CAS Elite League Title in 2021/22, before representing the Hibs U19s in the UEFA Youth League the following campaign. 

“The 20-year-old made three First Team appearances and contributed one assist during his time with the Club.

“O’Connor spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at Airdrieonians – featuring 33 times, before joining Dundalk FC for the first half of the 2024/25 season.”

The club have revealed the transfer fee is undisclosed but a sell-on clause has been inserted in the deal.

Sporting director Malky Mackay said: “We would like to thank Josh for all his hard work and efforts during his time with the Club. 

“He is a great lad who has represented Hibs with pride all the way through the age groups in the Academy to making his First Team debut. 

“Everyone at the Club wishes Josh the best of luck with his next move and all the best for the future.”

O’Connor isn’t the only player to have left Hibs just hours after the transfer window opened.

Nohan Kenneh has also departed the club – to join Premiership rivals Ross County on loan for the rest of the season.

It will be the 21-year-old second stint with the Staggies, having spent time at the club during the second half of the 2022/23 season.

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He headed back on loan the following campaign after agreeing a deal with Shrewsbury Town but now he will return to Dingwall for another spell.

Manager David Gray said: “This is a good opportunity for Nohan to get back to playing more regular football.

“We have a lot of competition for places in central midfield and unfortunately for Nohan, his game time has been very limited here at Hibs.

“I would like to thank Nohan for his professionalism and attitude during his time with the Club and wish him all the best for the future.”

Kenneh’s Hibs contract expires in the summer.

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