David Marshall sealed a stunning move to Hibs this afternoon - and immediately targeted overthrowing Hearts as the third best team in the country again.
The veteran goalkeeper had double reason to celebrate on Monday as he quickly followed up penning a two-year deal at Easter Road by welcoming a first call-up to the Scotland set-up since last year’s European Championships.
Marshall will be in Steve Clarke’s squad for the World Cup play-off against Ukraine a week tomorrow.
But despite his deal at Hibs not kicking in until July 1 he has already got down to work at East Mains.
And the 37-year-old is desperate to help new boss Lee Johnson repair the damage of a season which saw Hibs lose their third spot to rivals Hearts and plunge to an eighth place finish.
Marshall said: “I’m looking to help the squad do a lot better than last season. It was disappointing where they finished.
“But you are never as far behind in football as you think you are. We will be looking to start well.
“Hibs should be looking to be the third best team in the country. That’s a necessity.
“With the Europa Conference League then Euro football has to be a minimum aim and competing in the cup competitions. That should always be the aim.
“We know it’s been a disappointing season and there’s a hell of a lot of hard work to get there. But there’s no reason why we can’t.
“Just coming in the building, this lends itself to being successful and being a strong, top six side. That should be the demands we put on ourselves.
“I know a few of the lads and the quality that’s here.
“The lads will be hurting after last season but I have more than enough confidence that we can turn that round quickly.”
Marshall left crisis-hit Derby in January after falling out of Wayne Rooney’s plans and moved to QPR where he impressed in 12 outings before a hamstring injury ruled him out for the remainder of the club’s play-off push.
But he is back fit and adamant age is just a number as he looks to follow fellow veterans Craig Gordon and Allan McGregor in pulling out the stops in the Premiership.
He told HibsTV: “Those two guys have done great. But you just focus on yourself. I was in a good run of form until injury put an end to my season.
“A lot is made of age at times but across all sports you are seeing athletes go longer at the top. end. Hopefully I can be the same.
“I’m not one of those guys that will come in and tell others what to do. But that experience naturally lends itself in terms of communication on the pitch and in training Monday to Friday.
“I’m here for any lads especially the goalkeepers and young lads coming through who will pick things up as I did as a youngster.
“Goalkeeper is an important position and hopefully I can add to that group and add to the team.”
Marshall knows Johnson from having played against his Bristol City sides in the past.
And he added: “I played against his teams a lot. I know them well.
“Obviously he spoke to me about the experience I bring. I’m just looking to perform. I’m fit now and he is looking for me to add to the group and the quality.
“He wants a strong squad. There are good young goalkeepers here and if I can help any young lads along that will be great. But first and foremost it’s about performing and playing well.
“It’s good that the manager gets the pre-season under his belt to do what he feels he needs to the squad.”
