CHRIS Maxwell, the Hibernian goalkeeper who ensured the capital club clinched a Betfred Cup semi-final place with a save in a penalty shoot-out against Kilmarnock on Wednesday night, has left the door open for a switch from Wales to Scotland, writes Matthew Lindsay.
Maxwell denied Niko Hamalainen, the on-loan Queens Park Rangers defender, at Rugby Park after the last eight match between the Ladbrokes Premiership rivals had finished 0-0 at the end of extra-time.
The former Wrexham player, who has displaced Ofir Marciano as the first choice Easter Road keeper in recent weeks, has been capped at age-group level for his country and been a member of the senior squad on a number of occasions.
However, the 29-year-old has relations from this country and is, having not played in a competitive match for Wales at full international level before, eligible to don the dark blue of Scotland should he so desire. He is ruling nothing out.
“I was born in Wales and my Mum’s side are all from the Wrexham area,” he said. “I’ve played for Wales all the way through the age groups and up until about March this year I was involved with the Wales set-up.
“But my dad Ian, indeed the whole family, are from the Bathgate area and Falkirk. We’ve also got a few others who live near Livingston.You never know, if Scotland came calling and that opportunity came around then it’s something to think about.
“There’s no decision to be made yet and first and foremost I have to be playing for Hibs. But, you never know, you play well at club level then international possibilities, call-ups and caps, can become a bonus.
“I’ve just got to perform here week in week out. That’s the priority. Anything else would be great. I need to keep doing what I’m doing, keep listening to Alan Combe (Hibs goalkeeping coach), and you never know.”
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