Kevin Dabrowski is delighted his performances have helped shut the back door at Hibs since making the breakthrough at Easter Road.
But it’s nothing compared to the pride the giant Polish keeper feels in his country folk for opening their doors to hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians fleeing their war-torn country.
Dabrowski’s family are safe in the western fringes of Poland but he has friends on the other side of the country where the horror of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine is playing out all too close to home.
More than half a million refugees have been taken in by big-hearted Poles as they flee the bombing.
And Dabrowski said: “It’s stressful because Ukraine are our neighbours. Some of the bombs and missiles were dropped just 80km from our borders. It’s very worrying. Many people are so scared.
“We can’t panic. Right now we just need each other. As one we are going to stop this war. I believe that.
“My family is further west but I have plenty of friends that are close to the border.
“I’m proud of every Polish person. The way they react and help every Ukrainian who comes for help. We have welcomed over 500,000 Ukrainian people. It’s amazing.
“All my heart is with every Ukrainian person.
“What is happening there right now is unacceptable. It’s disgusting. It should never happen in the 21st Century.
“The good thing is that it showed everyone across the world what good people, what a good heart we have got, to help every person from Ukraine.
“That won’t stop. I’m sure we can stop this war and we will end up with a happy story because love always wins.”
Dabrowski’s set to make his fourth top team appearance against St Johnstone this afternoon with Matt Macey sidelined by a thigh and groin injury.
The 23-year-old waited over four years for his chance since moving to Edinburgh as a teenager and excelled in his derby debut goalless draw against Hearts last month.
Macey returned between the sticks for the defeat to Rangers at Ibrox only to be injured again last week against Celtic, handing Dabrowski another chance which he took in the goalless draw against Dundee midweek.
This time he has warned Macey he wants to keep a firm hold of the number one shirt.
The giant keeper said: “I’m delighted to be back in. Especially after playing two games, I was so hungry, I wanted more.
“Dropping out was the toughest time in my life because I am the kind of goalkeeper who wants to play every week.
“I said to myself, I waited so long for my chance before so I just needed to keep doing what I am doing and I was sure I would get back and make all the Hibees proud.
“Matt is older than me, he has more experienced because he has played more games.
“The game was against Rangers away and we weren’t getting enough results so I underwood he wanted to put Matt in.
“But now I have played my third one and once again I have shown what I am capable of.
“There is always competition. I show in training I will fight for everything, every single shot, every single ball.
“When I came to Scotland I sacrificed everything so every day I am fighting for my life.
“Everyone knows if they are in competition with me it is going to be a big one.
“So I am happy that I am showing it in training and I am happy I am proving it in the games for Hibs.”
