A HOTLY tipped Hibernian FC striker with a promising career ahead of him has won the Josh Taylor Boxing Sports Personality of the Year award.

Ethan Laidlaw, a fourth-year pupil at Preston Lodge High School, shone in his sport after signing a professional contract with Hibs in February at the age of 16.

Preston Lodge was unable to host its annual sports personality of the year awards due to coronavirus restrictions, but the school has still marked Ethan’s achievements.

The teenager, who has still to make a senior senior appearance for Hibs, has been on the radar of some of England’s top clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Hibs are understood to have turned down an approach for Ethan after Leeds United took him on trial in March.

Ethan recently completed a two-week trial with Liverpool.

He had also been picked for the full Scotland squad for under-16s, becoming the first Preston Lodge pupil to be selected.

A spokesperson for Preston Lodge Active Schools said: “Ethan has recently signed a professional contract with Hibs and has been involved with the first-team squad, which included matches at Ibrox against Rangers and the semi-final of the Scottish Cup.

“It has been a year of many challenges but Ethan has managed to overcome these and has a new chapter of his life beginning on Monday as a professional footballer.

“Good luck Ethan, we are all very proud of you.”