European qualification the goal for player with Champions League experience already this season
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Never underestimate the appeal of playing in an elite competition. And, while we all love to poke fun at the tomfoolery-heavy shenanigans associated with the Scottish Premiership from time to time, there’s no doubt that our country’s top division is an attractive destination for a certain type of up-and-coming footballer.
Take Dane Scarlett, for instance. He loves Tottenham Hotspur. Loves being a Spurs player.
But, at the age of 21, he’s taken a well-trodden path north, searching for the regular game time that should – he hopes – turn him into a Premier League footballer capable of lighting up the richest league in the world.
The striker has impressed in his first two outings for Hibs, catching the eye as a substitute in the 0-0 draw against Rangers at Easter Road on Sunday, and then leading the line as the best of the starters in Wednesday night’s dramatic comeback win over Dundee United. The kid has game, as our American cousins would put it.
Already eyeing up a first Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle on Tuesday night, but still struggling with names of team-mates and local accents following his arrival late in the transfer window, Scarlett has individual AND collective targets in his sights for the coming months.
Which is where the environment really matters. Because being part of a club like Hibs, playing for a team still hoping to push on at the business end of Scotland’s top division, is a prize in itself.
Scarlett played against Frankfurt in Champions League just over a week ago
Explaining why he’d leapt at the chance to leave behind a semi-satisfying existence of coming off the bench in Champions League and Premier League games for one of England’s biggest clubs, Scarlett said: “I was just focused on getting as many minutes as possible and going and showing what I can do.
“Because it's good being at Spurs. I love it. That’s been my club since I was very young.
“But I need to play football and go and express myself. And I felt like here was the best place.
“Coming to Scotland, it’s different. I just wanted to try something new, really, and see.
“I feel like it's a good league, especially for strikers. And I feel like I can push on from this start and do well.
“And yeah, it plays a part as well, that you’re coming to a top league where every game matters so much. Obviously, I want to help.
“This is a massive club with big targets. I want to help push for Europe and finish the season strong.”
There’s a lot to recommend the SPFL as a jumping-off point for elite young talent. Not least the prevalence of genuine rivalries guaranteed to stir the blood and set the adrenaline pumping.
A one-minute cameo for Ipswich against Norwich during a six-month loan back in 2023 is pretty much the extent of Scarlett’s experience of senior derby matches. An appearance so fleeting that he actually forgets to mention it when discussing the prospect of next week’s jaunt to Gorgie.
Totttenham prospect ‘ready’ for Hearts at Tynecastle
“I've heard it's the big one,” he said, looking ahead to bearding Hearts in their own den, the England Under-21 forward adding: “And I'm ready. I can't wait, really.
“I was excited about it right after the United game, thinking about the experience. I'm ready for when it comes.
“I’ve seen footage, saw that we won the last one at Easter Road. I just want to be a part of it – and get the feeling for myself.
“Growing up, obviously the big derbies I’ve been involved in are probably against Arsenal. Even in the academy it’s a big game, Tottenham-Arsenal, and it’s always a bit feisty.
“But it’s different, playing in the first team. I probably haven’t played in a proper senior derby yet.
“I was just really happy to get the start against Dundee United, obviously. I haven't played for a while, so I was buzzing to be in from the start and go and express myself. And I’m mainly glad we got the three points in the end.
“Yeah, my legs were going at the end just a little bit. But I felt good. And I can build on that now.
“I think we've done well. The first two games that I've actually been around, I feel like we've played some good football, created some nice chances.
“I feel like there's obviously a few new boys in the group, so I feel like when we gel and we play with each other, the more we play with each other, the better I feel like we're going to get.
“I just love playing football and being on the pitch. When I'm on the pitch, I have belief in myself. I know what I can do. I'm happy to be on the pitch.”
Hibs boss Gray had some obvious concerns in the wake of Wednesday night’s 3-2 win. Not least his team’s fragility in defending set-piece plays, with both Dundee United goals coming from almost identical deliveries at corner kicks.
But the fact that Hibs battled back from 2-1 down to get the win felt substantial, not least for the players involved, Scarlett declaring: “Great character, obviously. Maybe the goals that we conceded weren't great to concede, but it shows that we've got a real fight and togetherness to pull it back at the end. And it’s a great header, excellent finish, from Suto for the winner.
“I’m still getting there with everyone’s names, to be honest. Maybe not everyone yet, but I’m getting there. And the accent! Getting it slowly but surely.”
Thomas Frank full of praise for England Under-21 forward
Spurs boss Thomas Frank has spoken highly of Scarlett, describing the attacker as a “fantastic finisher” who simply needs games to take that final step in his development. The Tottentham gaffer’s public comments echo private conversations between player and coach.
“Yeah, we've had a few conversations,” said Scarlett. “Thomas is a good manager. He's very approachable, so yeah, we had some good chats.
“I didn't really speak to him about Scotland in particular, but we spoke about going on loan and going to get the minutes that I need. And yeah, he just wished me well.
“I got a few games (at Spurs), but not an awful lot. I was mainly involved with the first team on the bench. Got a few minutes coming on here and there, but that's not what I need right now. I need to be playing week in, week out and getting the minutes in my legs, the goals and feeling good.
“Yeah, it's difficult to break into a Premier League team like Spurs. But I believe I can do it. And I'm going to keep trying and trying.”