By Ray Mcgrath
December 20 2003

French defender Doumbe's superb early-season form was displayed to a wider audience on Thursday night as Channel 5 beamed Hibs' 2-1 CIS Cup win against Celtic throughout the UK. HIBS legend Pat Stanton has urged the EasterRoad board to secure Matthias Doumbe on a long-term deal.

French defender Doumbe's superb early-season form was displayed to a wider audience on Thursday night as Channel 5 beamed Hibs' 2-1 CIS Cup win against Celtic throughout the UK.

Stanton was one of the 9500 fans who witnessed Doumbe's performance against Henrik Larsson and Chris Sutton and he believes if Hibs don't pin him down to anew contract, plenty of others will be willing to take him off their hands.

The 24-year-old former PSG player is out of contract at the end of the season and can start negotiating pre-contract agreements from January 1.

Doumbe is on a modest salary and will be looking at a significant hike if he is to remain in Leith but Stanton believes it would serve both player and club best to do that.

He said: ''Doumbe is getting better all the time. He took some time to find his feet andhewastakingchancesontheodd occasion and being caught in possession.

''But he's had that knocked out of his game and he is improving all the time.

''I would like to think they can sort him out with a new contract. The fans have taken to him.

''Other clubs will have seen him performing like that against a team of Celtic's quality and they will be taking notice. It would surprise me if others weren't looking at him.

''Hibs' board and Bobby Williamson will be aware of the need to keep him. The last thing they want is to have brought a player through only to see someone else nip in and take himaway. It would be nice if something can be sorted and the lad can continue with the club.''

Stanton is convinced the French Under-21 cap's blistering pace will allow him to play at the top level.

He added: ''His pace is a huge asset. He recovers from situations that would have other players in trouble.

''He showed what he can do against Larsson. Henrik is tremendously quick over a short distance and Doumbe matched him.''

Doumbe was signed by Alex McLeish but had to wait until Williamson took over from Franck Sauzee to make his debut.

Williamson believes getting a grip of the language has been a major factor in Doumbe's fine form this season.

He said: ''He had problems with the language when he arrived and maybe that held him back. Defending is all about communicating and he is doing that really well.

''He has picked up since Colin Murdock's arrival. Colin is experienced and has helped him a lot.

''He has indicated he is happy at Easter Road and we have been talking to him about his contract.''