David Gray says Kieron Bowie has even more to give after Scotland call

Hibernian head coach David Gray stressed there was much more to come from Kieron Bowie after the striker was included in the first squad of Scotland’s World Cup qualifying campaign.

Bowie has retained his place following his debut against Liechtenstein in June after being named in the pool to face Denmark and Belarus next month alongside Hibs team-mate Grant Hanley.

The 22-year-old has scored three goals this season including a spectacular long-range volley against Partizan Belgrade, which helped set up a Europa Conference League play-off against Legia Warsaw.

Gray, whose team travel to Poland for Thursday’s second leg with a 2-1 deficit, said: “A lot has been made about Kieron and his performances of late. All he can do is keep doing what he’s been doing.

“I’m delighted for him for the recognition. I think he deserves it for what he has done.

“I have said before there is a lot to come from Kieron so this will do his confidence a lot of good.

“When it comes to him going away we will wish him all the best but that is an extra bonus for him on a personal level. My job is obviously to try to get the best out of him for Thursday.”

Scotland head coach Steve Clarke has been a long-term admirer of the former Fulham forward.

Clarke said: “At the time Ben Doak was the one who was getting the big mentions, but Kieron caught my eye a few times playing for the under-21s, I’ve kept an eye on him since.

“He moved to Hibs, picked up a serious injury, missed a lot of last season, but finished the season quite well, came into the camp in the summer, and I was impressed with him in camp.

“I have watched him a few times at the start of this season and he’s done very well. I’m always trying to make the squad deeper to give me more options.

“Kieron’s one who’s worked through the ranks, he’s caught my eye, he started the season well, deserves a place in the squad and hopefully, if he gets the chance to be on the pitch, he does what he does.”