VALE of Leithen boss Chris Anderson is pinning his hopes of new striker Jack Hay to upset Premiership new boys Hibernian.

The 23-year-old from Galashiels is Anderson's latest addition to his Lowland League squad.

And despite a chequered past, which has led to suspensions and occasional fall-outs with managers, the Victoria Park boss believes he's got himself a match-winner.

Anderson told us: "Jack is undoubtedly a talented footballer who can score goals at any level.

"He seems to have been around for a long time yet he's only 23 and will continue to improve.

"Hibs will bring a good squad down to face us next week and they will expect to turn us over, but with players like Jack in the team we are capable of causing a shock."

Hay burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old with Gala Fairydean in the East of Scotland League back in 2010.

The talented teenager bagged two hat-tricks in the opening two rounds of the Scottish Cup against Hawick Royal Albert and Golspie Sutherland during his first season.

Hay also picked up countless goals at Coldstream and Selkirk as well as during a second spell at Netherdale in the Lowland League.

Last season he rattled in eight goals in his first three matches for Spartans.

Hay is one of five new signings that Anderson has made so far this summer.

Fellow striker Jordan Finnie, keeper Ross Gilpin, midfielder Jon McInally, and defender Euan Sanderson have also arrived at Victoria Park.

And there may be others on their way.

Anderson added: "There is a chance that we may have one or two others playing as trialists in the Hibs game.

"I'm pleased with the squad we now have but wouldn't mind strengthening in a few positions."

It is expected that Hibernian will bring a team of fringe players to Innerleithen next Wednesday ahead of their BetFred Cup clash with Montrose on the Saturday.

The Easter Road club last visited Victoria Park three years ago for then-manager Alan Stubbs' first game in charge.

Almost 1400 fans flooded into the Innerleithen ground that day - helping raise close to £5,000 for the financially-struggling Lowland League club.

Vale chairman Stuart Robertson told us: "They are always big occasions when you get to play a Premiership team and we're hoping there will be a good crowd again."

Vale of Leithen will travel to Peebles Rovers next Monday evening before hosting Hibs on the Wednesday (July 12).

Both matches are scheduled to kick off at 7.30pm.