Firing blanks, no need to panic, Doig v Stevenson v Mackie - 3 talking points from Hibs' goalless draw with Ross County

A goalless draw against ten men may not seem like the ideal match to produce talking points but there are plenty of issues to discuss in the wake of the stalemate.

Kevin Nisbet cuts a dejected figure as Hibs draw a blank at Ross County

Firing blanks

Christian Doidge and Kevin Nisbet clicked very early on this season and have performed well as a partnership, so both players were probably due an off-day.

It's just unfortunate for Hibs that it happened in the same game. The Welshman came close twice against Cove Rangers, had chances against Forfar, and again in Dingwall while Nisbet hit the bar against Forfar and had a shot cleared off the line yesterday.

With both players having drawn a blank against Ross County, next week at Kilmarnock could be the perfect chance to hit the goal trail again. The pair are both creating chances; if they weren’t, that would be cause for concern.

No need to panic

Hibs are probably playing better football than they did at the start of the season when they were just eking out results so the stalemate in Dingwall may have seemed more frustrating than it actually was. Hibs created chances, kept a clean sheet, and on another day would have won by three or four clear goals.

Was the hangover from international week to blame? Possibly.

The Global Energy Stadium has never been a particularly happy hunting ground for the Easter Road side but the key positive for Jack Ross will have been the level of performance. More often than not if Hibs play like that, they will secure the three points.

Doig v Stevenson v Mackie

Lewis Stevenson is a gem of a player. Consistent, wholehearted, and a regular pick for a host of Easter Road managers over the last decade and a bit.

However while he still has a lot to offer defensively, his attacking threat has diminished and it's clear why Jack Ross prefers Josh Doig for that rampaging wingback role.

Sean Mackie is another option on that left side but at the moment the position looks like Doig's to lose.

Having him available next week could offer the side greater threat going forwards.