Sean Welsh rounded off his career in Youth football having to look on from the sidelines as Hibernian completed an Under-19 league and cup double, the midfielder having skippered the side to all bar their last few games having suffered a bad injury against Hearts. There was however well deserved recognition for his own efforts when he was voted as Scotland's Youth player of the Year.

Having already signed a new contract at Easter Road the priority then for Sean was getting himself fit again for his debut season as a member of the first-team squad. The arrival of John Hughes saw quite a few changes to that squad, but while Sean is yet to feature in the first team the manager has been encouraging him all the way: "It is a bit frustrating when you are on the sidelines but at the same time you see the team are doing well and you are pleased at that. I'm the same as every other player in the squad who is working hard to win a place in the team - you have to keep doing that and be patient. The manager knows we are there and he acknowledges what we are doing. He keeps his eyes on us so we know that at some point the chance will come along.

"We have great players in my position, and guys like Liam Miller and Kevin McBride are playing superbly well right now so I know how difficult it will be to break into the side this season - but that won't stop me trying. We don't have a reserve league this season but we do have regular games at that level, these can be as competitive as you want to make them yourself. If you are not working in these games and fully committed then you won't get a game, so it has to be up to yourself to do well and show you are ready when the chance of a first-team place comes along.

"Football at this level is a squad game, we all know that and we have a great spirit in this squad. Everyone is working for each other and encouraging each other regardless if you are in the team or not, I think people saw that when the Sky cameras where here a few weeks ago for the crossbar challenge. Everyone was having a bit of banter and that's what it's like all the time, it's a great atmosphere to work in. The gaffer even had a go that day but he's not got the legs to make it that far now!"

While working hard to gain a first-team place Sean has been keeping an eye on his former team-mates as they defend their Under-19 title, acknowledging that it appears to be a very different league this season with so many sides now challenging for the title: "I keep an eye on the Under-19's this season and they seem to be OK this season, it's a tougher league this season so it will be interesting to see how things go."

Sean however has his own battle to fight, and it's one he is most certainly up for: "Between now and the end of the season my aim is just to keep working away and hope my chance comes, perhaps from the bench."