Loan Watch: First Pro League Goals For Cleland & McGrath

There are eight Hibernian players out on loan, so we've taken a closer look at how each of them is getting on in 2026!

A number of the Hibees currently building up game-time are on Cooperation Loans, allowing them to also continue playing for Darren McGregor's league-leading U19s side. 

Thibault Klidjé — Randers 

Thibault Klidjé is under way with Randers following a work permit issue delaying his start in the Danish Superliga. 

Now settled in Denmark, Klidjé made his debut for Randers as a second-half substitute during their 2-1 league loss to Fredericia. 

The striker then appeared off the bench in his second showing for his loan club to help Randers to an impressive 2-1 victory over Superliga holders Copenhagen. 

Klidjé can now look forward to gaining crucial game time with Rasmus Bertelsen’s side until the end of the season. 

Murray Johnson — Greenock Morton

Goalkeeper Murray Johnson joined up with William Hill Championship side Morton in mid-February. 

With the Ton’s number one, James Storer, injured, the 21-year-old has been thrown straight into the action.

A clean sheet performance against Raith Rovers on Valentine’s Day was followed up by another shut-out versus Dunfermline Athletic as Morton secured an impressive home 2-0 win.

Johnson has made three more appearances since, as Morton have fallen to narrow losses to Queen’s Park, Airdrieonians and St Johnstone, respectively. 

Jacob MacIntyre & Lewis Gillie — Arbroath

Jacob MacIntyre has continued to impress with Arbroath in the Championship; making 26 appearances and scoring two goals across all competitions for his loan club this season. 

In February, MacIntyre played the full 90 minutes as the Red Litchies defeated Dunfermline Athletic 4-2 at Gayfield Park.

After missing a match at the tailend of last month, the young midfielder has started two matches in March - both of which ended in home draws against Ayr United and Ross County. 

17-year-old centre-back Lewis Gillie joined up with Jacob at Arbroath on a Cooperation Loan in January and appeared in four matchday squads for the promotion chasers.

While performing regularly for our U19s, Lewis suffered a slight injury setback, but he has already recovered and is now looking to make an impression both with Arbroath and our U19s. 

Dean Cleland & Joseph McGrath — Stranraer

Centre-forward Dean Cleland has made a great start at Stair Park, scoring three goals in nine league matches for Stranraer since joining on loan in January.

The 18-year-old scored his first professional league goal in his third League Two appearance for the Blues, sliding in from close range against former loan club, East Kilbride, in a 2-0 win. 

He headed home the opener in Stranraer’s recent 2-1 victory over Spartans, before netting his second goal in as many games as his side fell to a narrow defeat to Elgin City.

Hibs U19s captain Joseph McGrath made the loan move to Stair Park in late January, and has played the full 90 minutes in all six matches since for Chris Aitken’s side.

The defender recently scored his first professional goal; firing in a volley from close range against Edinburgh City at Meadowbank Stadium.

Stranraer’s defeat to Elgin City on Sunday 28 February was their first league loss since November as they currently sit fourth in the division, seeking a promotion play-off spot. 

Jamie McMurdo & Owen Calder — Gala Fairydean Rovers

Jamie McMurdo has started six straight matches for Lowland League outfit Gala Fairydean Rovers. 

The winger scored his second league goal of the campaign for his loan team with a volley in a 2-0 win over Albion Rovers in January before nabbing his third with another strike against East Stirlingshire. 

Owen Calder also played the full 90 of the Rovers’ win over the Coatbridge side, but has since missed several matches through injury.