Hibs youngster Keegan Ayre heads to Gillingham on trial

Hibs youngster Keegan Ayre has today started a trial period with English side Gillingham.

The Coca Cola League One side have taken the Canadian U20 international to Priestfield Stadium on trial, with a view to a permanent deal.

Ayre, 19, had been expected to be the latest young talent to break into the first team through the famous Hibernian Academy, but new boss Mixu Paatelainen has deemed the player surplus to requirements.

Keegan joined the Hibees from Canadian side British Columbia and beat off arch rivals Hearts as well as Sheffield Wednesday, West Brom and Wolves for the then 17-year-old's signature.

He was voted the Canadian Young Player of the Year a couple of seasons back and was expected to excel at Easter Road, but has struggled to make the grade.

The lad also appeared at the U20 World Cup at the start of the season as he represented Canada, he has been part of the Canadian international set-up from the U17 side through.

He has recently been on loan at Scottish Second Division club Berwick Rangers, he scored for them the other night in a 4-1 defeat to Queen's Park.

Gillingham manager Mark Stimson has given the youngster a chance to impress him in training. Gillingham can sign Ayre at the end of the season as he will be a free agent.

Good luck to him from everyone at Hibernian-Mad.

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