Jim Duffy always joked Kevin Dabrowski should have been a film star after signing him to perform next to The Rock at Dumbarton.
But he’s got no doubts the giant goalkeeper fits the bill as Hibs ’ number one after his showstopping derby debut.
Former Easter Road boss Duffy was delighted to see the 6ft 6in Pole finally get his chance on the biggest stage of all when he was thrown in for a first Hibs appearance against capital rivals Hearts on Tuesday.
After five years of waiting for his break the keeper thrust himself front and centre with a man of the match display to shut out high-flying Jambos.
And nobody was happier to see the 23-year-old excel than Duffy, who took him on loan at the Sons last season and who reckons Matt Macey now has a huge fight on his hands to hold onto the number one jersey.
Duffy said: “I was absolutely delighted for Kevin on Tuesday. You could see after the game he was really emotional. He’s one who has always deserved a break.
“He got that against Hearts and was fantastic.
“He was a big character at Dumbarton. Not just as a goalkeeper, although he excelled, but also as a personality.
“Kevin would come in and I used to kid him on he was too good looking to be a goalkeeper and diving at people’s feet and that he should be in the movies.
“But in all seriousness he was a really good goalkeeper for us.
“We drew 0-0 with Partick Thistle at Firhill and Kevin saved a penalty. He was unbelievable that day, they threw everything at us but he managed to save the lot.
“It was a performance that will always stick with me and told me he was a top quality keeper.
“Shotstopping is primarily his biggest strength. But he has presence - 6ft 6in - and those broad movie star shoulders.
“He fills the goals so well in one on one situations and you saw that a couple of times against Hearts when Ellis Simms went through.
“He narrows the angles and gives the striker very little to look at.
“That presence gives defenders confidence. He still had a bit to learn in terms of decisions making but he’s young and those things only come with regular games.”
Dabrowski has given Shaun Maloney a decision to make ahead of Saturday’s home clash with St Mirren. Matt Macey, who missed the derby with a dead leg, could return to the fold.
But Duffy said: “It’s going to be difficult for Kevin because Macey is number one and could go straight back in.
“Then he will need to deal with the comedown after the emotional high of his performance and getting the plaudits against Hearts.
“He was thrown into a derby, huge pressure and expectations and he handled it.
“That tells everyone - most importantly himself and Shaun - that he is good enough and ready to compete with Macey for the number one jersey.
“He has done his bit and given Shaun a big decision. One thing though, if it doesn’t work out at Hibs now I’m sure Kevin will have plenty of offers on the table.”
It’s exactly 24 years since Duffy left his job as Hibs boss with the club heading towards relegation from the top flight.
Fifteen permanent managers have come and gone since, with Maloney the latest incumbent to feel the weight of expectation.
But Duffy said: “Hibs are a work in progress.
“They need another window to get players in that Shaun wants to play his style. It’s not easy for guys like Paul Hanlon and Lewis Stevenson who have been there for years to adapt to a different style.
“I don’t see them catching Hearts for a top three spot. Top six is what they’ll have to aim for.
“It was incredibly harsh to sack Jack Ross.
“But it’s down to Shaun now to get his players in and take the club forward.
“Hibs fans I’d hope will give him time but then he’s going to have to hit the ground running next season.”
