The comparison to one of Hibernian’s finest players of the century underscores the impressive start Josh Mulligan has made at Easter Road.
The midfielder, who joined from Dundee this summer amidst reported interest from Rangers, has swiftly become a key figure in David Gray’s squad.
His impact has been such that some observers have drawn parallels with Scotland international and Aston Villa star John McGinn, a Scottish Cup winner during his time at Hibs.
While such comparisons are undoubtedly premature – a sentiment Mulligan himself acknowledges – his late goal against Legia Warsaw at Easter Road has injected a surge of hope into the Hibs faithful ahead of the second leg.
Mulligan was widely recognized as man of the match in the 2-1 defeat to the Polish side on Thursday. Furthermore, it is conceivable that he could join McGinn and teammate Kieron Bowie in Steve Clarke’s upcoming Scotland squad, expected to be announced on Monday.
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Gray described Mulligan as ‘eye-catching’ upon his arrival, and the 22-year-old has consistently impressed fans with his performances.
He leads the team in successful dribbles and ranks highly for touches in the opposition box and duels won.
In essence, he is a dynamic box-to-box midfielder who not only contributes defensively but also drives forward, propelling Hibs into advantageous areas of the pitch.
“Looks like a brilliant signing,” noted Hibs supporter David when BBC Sport Scotland sought opinions on Mulligan’s arrival. “A very versatile player who can play in multiple positions, so it will be very interesting to see how he settles in.”
“Brilliant signing,” Alex added. “Good young Scottish talent with good experience at a young age. He will thrive at Hibs.”
Thrive he has. Although rested from the starting XI against Livingston at the weekend, he entered the game in the 82nd minute and scored a stunning goal from outside the box, striking the post on its way in.
Having played in both midfield and right wing-back for Dundee, goals were not a prominent feature of his statistics.
However, he appears to have added that dimension to his game, benefiting from Gray’s permission to roam forward in attack, an element that continues to shine in his early days at Easter Road.
Reaction to Hibs’ defeat on the Scottish Football Podcast
21/08/25
His late goal against Legia – a rebound from close range after his initial shot was blocked – gives Hibs a fighting chance in Poland next Thursday.
As head coach Gray pointed out, the team has a history of strong away performances, citing victories against Midtjylland in Denmark and Partizan in Serbia.
Mulligan admitted he was relieved to score, having missed a clear opportunity earlier in the game against the Polish side, who reached the quarter-finals of the competition last season.
“I missed one in the first couple of minutes and, to be honest, I was thinking about it the whole game,” Mulligan told BBC Scotland.
“We stayed in the game and that goal there could prove to be vital so I’m looking forward to the next leg. It’s still half time in the tie.
“They were a decent side and it’s going to take a really good performance. The boys will have to give everything.”