'What's the rush?' - Why Hibs hitman Kieron Bowie has been urged to park Celtic and Rangers transfer talk
The striker converted his ninth goal of the campaign in last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Motherwell
Kieron Bowie has been attracting interest from Celtic, Rangers and a host of clubs south of the border - but the Hibs talisman has been urged to stay put at Easter Road for at least another 18 months before taking the next step in his career.
That’s the view of pundit Michael Stewart, who believes the Scotland international should put transfer speculation linking him with a January move to either of Glasgow’s big two on the back-burner.
Bowie has netted nine times in 28 outings in all competitions so far this season for David Gray’s men and has subsequently drawn admiring glancing from both sides of the Old Firm this month, whilst clubs from further afield continue to keep tabs on the striker.
The 23-year-old join the Easter Road club from Fulham for around £450,000 two seasons ago. He has enjoyed a productive first first half of the current campaign, with Gray admitting the recent speculation will only ramp up further if the hitman keeps banging in the goals.
Hibs striker told he should be in no rush to move elsewhere this month
But ex-Hibs midfielder Stewart has issued a warning to bowie that he should be in no rush to leave Hibs, even if the club’s reported price tag of £6 million is met.
Speaking on the latest episode of Premier Sports Scottish Football Social Club, Stewart admitted: “My advice to Kieron Bowie would be, there is no rush to get out that door. He is starting to find a wee bit of form again.
“The best thing he could do, personally for his career, would be be to stay at Hibs for the next 18 months. Get to this stage next year and then you can realistically talk about what he is going to do. This is a Hibs side that are very good and he is a real part of that.
“I don't think there is a desperate urge or need for him to take another step just yet. If I was advising Kieron Bowie, I would say 'put it all out your mind'. You are at a really good club that feels like it's moving in the right direction.
“Eventually at some point, you are perhaps going to look to move on. But right now, why? Last year was so stop-start with injuries (for him).
“He has had half a season so far that has already seen an electric start and a wee dip in his performances but they are starting to come back now. I would say 18 months would be the ideal window for him to concentrate on his football at Hibs. I would be very surprised if he left.”
David Gray doesn’t expect Bowie transfer speculation to disappear
Gray was calm on Bowie’s future ahead of last weekend’s Premiership clash with Motherwell, stating at the time: “No, naturally, again with the window being open, that’s speculation that will always be there.
“It’s a sign of the football club doing well, it’s a sign that your players are playing well, you’re team-mates, that it helps you get into these positions. And for any player that gets speculation around them, there’s nothing you can do about that. It means you’re doing something right.
“I think that’s something that’s great to have, as long as you remember why that’s come. It’s come because you’re playing well, you’re working hard, you’re part of successful team. And i don’t expect that speculation to go away.”