Former Hibs star says the 'manner' of Dundee United triumph can build hope as David Gray ends frustrating run
The ex Hibs and Celtic midfielder believes Wednesday night’s Easter Road heroics can be something to build on.
Former Hibs man Scott Allan thinks Ante Suto’s 93rd minute header against Dundee United could be a turning point for Hibs, after a disappointing run.
In a match synonymous with late drama, Wednesday night’s Leith clash between the Hibees and the Tangerines did not disappoint. Martin Boyle put the hosts ahead in the first half before Ross Graham and Max Watters turned the match in United’s favour. In the 89th minute, the Arabs captain then put the ball in his own net, before Suto’s looping header gave Hibernian a much-needed three points.
After the disaster at Dunfermline and faux pas at Falkirk, Hibs have now since drawn with Rangers and beaten Dundee United, as David Gray tries to rebuild his side’s momentum going into next week’s Derby. Allan believes last night’s result puts them in a good frame of mind - going to Tynecastle on the back of a late win. He also believes the good form of Hearts hasn’t helped the Hibs boss this season, who has been put under pressure on several occasions already this season.
‘Integrating’ new boys worked well for Hibs
Speaking on BBC Sportsound’s Scottish Football Podcast alongside former Jambo, Robbie Neilson, Allan said: “If you're Hibs, you want to finish in front of Hearts. If you're Hearts, you want to finish in front of Hibs - that just comes [with the territory], there's no getting away from that - and that's adding pressure to David Gray.
“That's why I think going out of the Scottish Cup, so early on to Dunfermline, was one of the results that really would have frustrated David Gray. When you see Hearts doing so well, the fans are there looking at the cup run thinking can he get to a final and give himself a chance of a bit of silverware.”
Five of Hibs’ January signings featured last night, with Munashe Garananga, Felix Passlack, Dane Scarlett and Kai Andrews all being allowed minutes alongside the hero, Suto. Allan thinks it’s a good move from Gray, to get the signings game time early.
He claimed: “What I would say is, I felt Hibs played really well against Rangers at the weekend and could’ve came away with three points. Last night, they were integrating some new players, obviously six signings have come into Hibs. They've lost Kieron Bowie, Jamie McGrath is injured, and so is Josh Mulligan, who also has been a real driving force in the midfield.”
‘Manner’ of win will please Gray
He continued: “So you're having to add players who you've signed into the fold very early on, I think that's quite difficult. So for Hibs last night, just to get the win and the manner that they won, to score so late on with a fantastic header from Suto, I think they're the sort of wins that really give you something to build on.”
Neilson, who has been at Hearts as both a player and manager added that it is the worst time to play for either Edinburgh side when your rival is on top. He claimed: “it was a real tough one for Dundee United last night. But on the other side of it, Hibs, fantastic win for them.
“They've been up and down this season. so far it’s been a decent season, but not a great one. Scott and I have played over in Edinburgh, when the other side's doing really well, it's quite difficult to keep looking at the papers and the media all the time and that heaps a bit of pressure on the other side.”