'He's earned his chance' - What Jack Ross had to say about little-seen Hibs player

Hibs head coach Jack Ross has praised Sean Mackie for his performance against Celtic at the weekend, and highlighted the defender’s hard work in coming back from injury.
Sean Mackie has been praised by Jack Ross for his work in training and on the pitchSean Mackie has been praised by Jack Ross for his work in training and on the pitch
Sean Mackie has been praised by Jack Ross for his work in training and on the pitch

The former Raith Rovers youngster has made just 20 appearances in all competitions for the Easter Road side since breaking into the first team in 2017.

Mackie, who turned 22 at the start of the month, has had three loan spells since swapping Kirkcaldy for Edinburgh and it was during that final loan spell at Dundee that he suffered a serious ankle injury that required surgery.

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When the full-back lined up againt Forfasr in the Betfred Cup last month it was his first appearance in green and white since he was sent off in the 6-1 thrashing by Rangers at Ibrox in September 2019, and his only full 90 minutes since a 1-1 draw between Dundee and Dundee United towards the end of last year.

He won plaudits for his performance against Celtic, and Ross paid tribute to the left-back ahead of the match with St Johnstone.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland pre-match, Ross said: “Sean's had a difficult calendar year. He suffered a bad ankle injury on loan at Dundee that required surgery and a long road back to fitness, then he had to contend with lockdown.

"He's had to work hard to get back to full fitness and stay patient behind Lewis Stevenson, who is always reliable, and then Josh Doig.

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"He played in the Betfred games and acquitted himself well. He's looked sharper and fitter recently and that was reflected against Celtic.

"He’s earned another chance tonight.”

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