HIBS new boy Abdessalam Benjelloun today revealed how he turned down the chance to play in France and Belgium to join a team he'd never heard of before.

But the 21-year-old Moroccan star was so taken by life at Easter Road he patiently waited ten weeks before being given the green light to sign for Tony Mowbray's side.

And, in his first interview, "Benji" disclosed how it was only the faith shown in him by Mowbray which persuaded him to hang on for the work permit he needed before signing a four-and-a-half-year contract with Hibs.

Benjelloun first came to the Hibees' attention playing for Morocco in the Under-21 World Championships in Holland last summer but the Edinburgh club weren't the only side who were impressed by his performances, as he revealed. He said: "After the tournament, both Metz in France and Bruges in Belgium got in contact along with Hibs. To be honest, I hadn't heard of Hibs, in Morocco we knew of Rangers and Celtic and Aberdeen because Hicham Zerouali had played there.

"Because of the distance involved I'd never imagined myself playing in Scotland."

Benjelloun quickly brushed up on Hibs via the internet and, after visiting Edinburgh and speaking to Mowbray and his assistant Mark Venus, he instantly decided Easter Road was the place for him. He said: "When I spoke to Tony and Mark I knew right away what they were looking for, I had confidence in them and trusted them. I knew Hibs had a young team, was impressed that they'd been in the UEFA Cup, I enjoyed training and the style of play.

"And because so many of the players are around the same age as me I felt it was the best team for me."

Little did Benjelloun imagine, however, just how long it would take to cut through the red tape to win him the work permit required as he didn't come from a European country. And he admitted he wouldn't have hung around for a full ten weeks had it not been for the reassurance of Mowbray.

He said: "I never despaired, I had confidence because I knew the amount of work the club was putting in to complete the paperwork and that showed me just how much they wanted me to become a Hibs player.

"I went to see the chairman Rod Petrie [pictured right] most days with forms and things like that and one of the prime reasons I waited so long was because of the manager who reassured me everything would be all right. Had it been any other club I'd imagine I'd have been away after just two or three weeks to find somewhere else to play. What impresses me about Tony is that he has no favourites.

"Most managers like one or two players more than the others but Tony likes everyone equally. Even although I was sure I'd get permission to play here it was still a relief when the paperwork was finally completed and I was told I could play for Hibs."

Although he hadn't played for months, Benjelloun was handed a baptism of fire as he faced the stiffest possible test, a Tennent's Scottish Cup semi-final against arch-rivals Hearts, the first such match between the Edinburgh clubs in more than 100 years.

And, while it turned out to be a day to forget for those draped in green and white, Benjelloun insisted there will be plenty of days to remember in the seasons ahead.

He said: "Obviously I realised the significance of the game, everyone was talking about it and getting very excited.

"It was a big surprise to discover I was playing and, while it was a disappointing day for us, every team has a day like that, even Real Madrid.

"Hearts had luck on their side and now I am looking forward to hopefully gaining revenge here in front of our own fans tomorrow.

"I've yet to score a goal for Hibs and it would be nice for it to come tomorrow although what is more important to me is that I play my part in helping the team win."

Although he doesn't see himself as an out-and-out striker, Benjelloun scored an impressive 11 goals in 19 starts for Moroccan First Division outfit Moghreb Fes, his hometown club last season.

Benjelloun's career, however, began at Second Division WAF, a team also based in Fes where his older brother Otmane played while his father Abdelghane was vice-president of the club for 15 years.

But he was soon catching the eye of Morocco's football authorities, his performances such that he's moved up through the age levels playing for his country to the point where only an injury prevented him becoming a full internationalist. Benjelloun, though, believes that day isn't far away, revealing he's been assured that his move to Scotland won't harm his international chances.

He said: "Jamal Fathi, who was the manager when I played in the World Championships in Holland, is now technical manager of the national and Olympic sides and I know him well.

"In the documents sent here for my work permit assurances were given that there was every likelihood I'll be called into the full Morocco international team and there is no doubt I will be playing in the Olympics in China in two years' time."

Between now and then, though, Benjelloun's sole aim is to repay the faith shown in him by Mowbray.

He said: "I've been giving 100 per cent in every match I've played although I am not at the top of my game at the moment.

"I need to get used to the game here, there's the language barrier to overcome for a start although having French-speaking players like Oumar Konde, Guillaume Beuzelin and Amadou Konte around helps. I'm taking English lessons three times a week and as that improves then I'll get to know my team-mates better although everyone at the club has made me most welcome."

Benjelloun, who also has four sisters, admitted he'll also need a little time to adapt to the rigours of the Scottish game having found it more physical than in Morocco where the emphasis is on technique before mischievously suggesting: "Perhaps that's why we beat Scotland 3-0 during France '98!"

Away from the ground Benjelloun relaxes by watching football or DVDs with Arabic sub-titles on television and also keeps in constant touch with his family.

And he insisted he hasn't found a massive difference in lifestyle between Scotland and Morocco - apart from the weather and, as a devout Muslim who more

Taken from the Scotsman
than once underlined the importance of his religion to him, he observed: "The Scots like their drink."