HIGHLY-RATED youngster Josh Landers could make his first team debut for Hibernian at Hampden Park tonight Saturday November 4.

Landers was listed in the squad for the game against champions Celtic at Easter Road last Saturday.

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And the 16-year-old former Peebles High School pupil retained his place on the bench for Tuesday night’s game against Ross County.

With Hibs leading 2-0 well into the second half it looked as though the teenager would make his competitive debut when he was sent to warm up.

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But County pulled a goal back and manager Nick Montgomery went for experience, sending on Joe Newell instead.

Now he has an anxious wait to see whether he retains his place in the squad for tonight's League Cup semi-final against Aberdeen at Hampden Park.

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Landers has been in top form of late, scoring twice and providing an assist in Hibs’ 5-0 Scottish Youth Cup victory over Alloa Athletic, then coming off the bench to score and set up a goal for Lewis Stevenson in a 3-0 win over Sunderland Under 21s at the SAFC Academy of Light.

Landers, who will not be 17 until February, lives with his parents, Ronnie and Yvonne, and younger sister Amy in Innerleithen.

Proud dad Ronnie said: “It’s been hard work but [it's] worth it to see where Josh is now. The whole family are proud of him and we are hoping to see him progress in his career.

“He’s been training with the first team for a few weeks and he was on the bench against Celtic and Ross County.

“Now we are hoping that he’s in the squad for the semi-final at Hampden on Saturday and it would be amazing to see him make his debut there.”