JOHN COLLINS will never demand Hibs supremo Rod Petrie flashes the chequebook in the transfer market - until he's convinced there are no more gems in the youth ranks.
Hibees boss Collins has breathed fresh life into his side this season with a host of summer signings and the emergence of kids such as Ross Chisholm and Kevin McCann.
But while he is aware the vultures are still circling round Easter Road - Steven Fletcher is the latest youngster to attract attention - Collins is adamant he can continue to produce homegrown talent.
He said: "I have a good healthy squad but if we need to add new players then the first place I will always look is in the reserves or youth team.
"That has worked for us in the past and I'd like to think it would do so again. There will come a year when it's not possible but I hope not for a while.
"The young players have done so well for us and shown great character to keep it going."
Victory for Hibs at travel weary Aberdeen today would open up an 11-point gap between the sides and Collins said: "It's tough to juggle their UEFA Cup campaign with the SPL.
"But it gives them experience and I'd expect them to kick on to fight for a European place now."
