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Hibs fire warning to Ma-Kalambay

Fri 18 Jul, 11:00 AM


Hibernian manager Mixu Paatelainen has warned goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay that he is risking his first-team place by going to the Olympics.The former Chelsea shot-stopper was named in Belgium's squad for the Beijing games and he will now miss games against Kilmarnock, Falkirk and Inverness.

Although Paatelainen is pleased for his charge, he has warned it may cost him at club level.

"I'm delighted that Yves is getting international recognition and I would never deny a player a chance to fulfil his ambitions," he said.

"It's important for a player's development to play for his country and I have always said I want internationals at Hibs.

"We've known for some time that Yves would probably be at the Olympics and we've been looking for a back-up keeper for a while.

"It's like anything in football - you are always in danger of losing your place in the team and that could happen to Yves when he goes.

"He was injured towards the end of the season and when (Andrew) McNeil came in he played so well we couldn't let Yves back in even when he was fit.

"It's a risk you take when you're unavailable."

Meanwhile, Paatelainen has decided not to offer a contract to trialist Phil Imray.

The New Zealand goalkeeper has been training with Hibs for two weeks, but he has failed to get an offer of a contract.

"We have decided not to offer Phil a contract," Paatelainen said.

"He played against Raith Rovers but we decided not to pursue a deal.

"I am sure Phil will go on to find another Scottish club and we wish him all the best."

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