Hibs defender Steven Whittaker has hailed Rangers youngster Glenn Middleton - and insisted he'll be a smash hit at Easter Road if he signs on loan.

Middleton, 19, has been linked with the Leith outfit as well as NAC Breda in Holland this summer.

The playmaker is highly thought of at Ibrox, though, and only a loan deal would suit Steven Gerrard who believes the player has a future with Gers.

Glasgow Times: Whittaker believes Middleton would be a great addition to HibsWhittaker believes Middleton would be a great addition to Hibs

But ex-Norwich City teammate Steven Whittaker has urged Middleton to ignore Breda and pen a short-term deal with Hibs - because he'd have a platform to show just how good he is under Paul Heckingbottom.

Speaking after Hibs' 1-0 win over St Johnstone in the Scottish Premiership opener, Whittaker said: "I played with Glenn at Norwich when I was down there and he was a young boy coming through. 

"He was highly thought of and he trained with the first-team a few times. Being Scottish I got to know him a little bit and he will fit in well here with the boys. 

"He is a great lad with great talent and he would be a good addition if he comes in.

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“He is another guy who can unlock defences. He has played through the middle and out left with Rangers. He has power and quality when he gets into the final third. 

"We can give him game time if he isn’t getting it at Rangers so it will only be good for him if he comes here.

“He is a different player to Martin Boyle and he hasn’t played a lot of first team football. He could grow here and get more football."