By Gethin Thurlow 16/9/25
Above: Jess Fitzgerald in her new colours Photo: Hibernian FC
Hibernian brought in two Irish players on deadline day as they add depth to a narrow-looking squad, ahead of what is likely their final European game of the season – a second leg Europa Cup tie against Inter Milan in which they are trailing 4-1.
As is the theme with all of the Hibees’ signings this summer, they are both young players. Jess Fitzgerald is a 19-year-old midfielder, joining from Peamount United. Fitzgerald’s talent has earned her regular appearances for the Ireland U19’s team, and she signs a first professional of her career with Grant Scott’s team.
Picking up the newly available number 8 shirt, Fitzgerald will seemingly compete for that attacking midfield void left by Michaela McAlonie’s departure, with fellow signings Tiree Burchill, Hannah Jordan and Milly Boughton. Scott described her as “a composed, technically gifted midfielder that will offer so much to our team.”
Adding important depth, Scarlett Herron joins the backline. Siobhan Hunter’s injury at the start of the season exposed Hibernian’s lack of centre-backs, with Ellis Notley having to drop down from midfield to fulfil that role. While they have plenty of options at full back, covering that central defence was essential and Herron brings her talent to that do exactly that.
Aged only 20, she is yet further evidence of the Hibees future-proofing their team. Herron moves across from Shamrock Rovers and has also represented Ireland’s U-19’s team.
With her first words at the club, Herron stated: “It’s a really tight schedule coming up thick and fast, so I’m really excited to get my feet on the ground”, indicating that she will be given minutes right away, due to all the rotation needed to manage the extra European games.
The addition of Herron was crucial given Hibs’ stark lack of centre-backs, while Fitzgerald is another exciting one to watch in the Hibernian team. While staying in Europe is probably beyond them even with the signings, Hibernian have clearly learnt the lesson harshly taught to Celtic last year and have done all they can do to build a bigger squad, ensuring they will be firing on all cylinders come March and the split.
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