Gray expects Bowie to face Rangers as Elding signs

Hibernian manager David Gray has said he is planning for Kieron Bowie to be part of the squad for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match at home to Rangers.

The 23-year-old Scotland striker has attracted attention in this transfer window, with Serie A club Hellas Verona having a bid turned down earlier this week.

Hibs signed winger Owen Elding from League of Ireland Premier Division side Sligo Rovers for an undisclosed fee on Thursday and Gray says the club will be prepared for any developments with Bowie.

"While the window is open anything can happen. I'd be naive to comment otherwise," Gray said.

"Clearly, there's been interest, there's been speculation, it's something that Kieron's had to deal with all season, because of his level of performance.

"He's been very consistent in the way he trains, the way he goes about his business. That's certainly not changed within this window.

"As it stands right now, he's firmly in my plans to be involved at the weekend. He's trained on Thursday morning and until that changes for whatever reason, that'll be my mindset.

"Whether Kieron was to leave, I fully expect the backing of the ownership because they always want to improve the club - that's not going to change. Our mindset is always to try and improve the group."

Elding, who was voted the Professional Footballers Association of Ireland young player of the year for 2025, has signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

The 19-year-old scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 38 matches for Sligo Rovers last season.

Hibs say he opted for Easter Road ahead of "significant interest from several other European clubs", with Austrian side Sturm Graz reported to be keen on Elding.

Gray says the young forward, who was Sligo's 2025 Player of the Year, has huge potential.

"He has done incredibly well for such a young age - he has a range of attributes and a strong physical presence up front," he said.

"He has played a lot of men's football already, has scored a variety of goals and I think he has got a really bright future.

"Certainly there is no pressure in terms of hitting the ground running and expecting big things. He is a young boy coming in and it is his first introduction to Scottish football, but he is certainly an exciting prospect."