Yantorno wants to prove himself at Easter Road after injury

Hibernian striker Fabian Yantorno has told BBC Scotland that he has been training hard and now wants to get as many minutes on the pitch as possible.

The Uruguayan was offered a contract by Hibs despite carrying a knee injury, which he suffered while with Gretna.

After a lengthy rehabilitation, Yantorno said: "I feel really well. I have played eight games for the reserves and that has helped me a lot.

"I am ready. I am training hard and just waiting for the opportunity."

Yantorno, who can also play in midfield, came on for John Rankin for the final 25 minutes of last Saturday's league game against St Mirren.

It was the fourth time Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen had used Yantorno as a substitute this season and the player is keen to make his mark at Easter Road.

"I feel strong. Hopefully I will start to get some minutes on the pitch. The players are doing very well so I just have to wait for the opportunity to play more games.

"One of the reasons I came here was the type of football that Hibs play. I enjoy playing here. I think I am improving every day," said Yantorno.

"I am very grateful, especially to Mixu. He was very important for me, first for my rehabilitation and then he offered me a contract.

"I really want to prove on the pitch that I am worth that contract. I want to do well to say thank you to the chairman and the club. Since the first day, I have felt really comfortable," added the 26-year-old.

Hibs lie in mid-table, but such is the closeness of the league outside the top two teams that they are just one point off third spot.

The Uruguayan said: "I think we are going to be fighting for third place. I don't think there is a lot of difference between the teams. I think everybody can beat everybody. The competition will be very hard."

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