Gauld was seen as Scotland’s next best thing, and he faced Celtic on Wednesday night.
Celtic earned a comfortable win against Hibernian on Wednesday night and simultaneously strengthened their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership – but Hoops fans are stunned at the demise of Hibernian midfielder Ryan Gauld.
Gauld, 23, joined Hibs on loan in the January transfer window after his famed move from Dundee United to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon can only be described as a failure.
Seen as one of the best up-and-coming talents in Scottish football, Gauld joined Sporting for a whopping £3million (Scotsman) from Dundee United at just 18 years of age in the summer of 2014. He has since managed five appearances for the club.
Instead, he has been a regular in Sporting’s second string, going on loan to three other Portuguese sides in Desportivo Aves, SC Farense and Vitoria Setubal. Slight in frame, it is Gauld’s technique and vision that sets him apart.
But he failed in Portugal and has since returned to his home country, on loan at Hibs – but he struggled against the champions. Scott Brown dictated the tempo in the middle of the park, winning man of the match.
Goals from Ryan Christie and Oliver Burke saw Celtic earn three points, though the result was never really in any doubt with Hibs struggling to carve out any real chances. Dedryck Boyata and Scott Sinclair should have also scored.
Gauld was a source of intrigue for Celtic fans before the match, but the Hoops supporters were shocked at how much the pocket-sized midfielder had failed to live up to his enormous reputation. They expressed their feelings on Twitter.
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