Hibs boss David Gray reflects on 'deserved' Dundee win, Man Utd's loanee's debut and transfer speculation
Martin Boyle and Callum Wright scored the goals as Hibees leave Dens Park with all three points.
Hibs boss David Gray described their 2-1 win away to Dundee on Sunday as a ‘deserved’ three points after an impressive team performance.
The visitors left Dens Park with all three Premiership points thanks to goals from Martin Boyle and Callum Wright. They also survived a late rally from the hosts, who pulled a goal back in the 83rd minute to put real pressure on Hibs.
Gray admitted that, although he would have preferred to keep the clean sheet, he was thrilled to see his players dig deep in the closing stages and make sure they didn’t concede again. The win comes as a much needed lift following the disappointment of their Europa Conference League play-off exit at the hands of Gent on Thursday.
“Brilliant” Hibs well worth their three points from win over Dundee says head coach David Gray
“The players got exactly what they deserved today,” said Gray. “I thought we were brilliant, considering where we were, the lows of Thursday night, how close we came, every excuse in the world would have been there for the players today if they wanted to accept that.
“I didn't speak about needing to see a reaction. Usually, when you lose a game of football, you'll say, I want to see a reaction. I thought the players were outstanding on Thursday night. As a result of that, we had to maintain the standards in their levels today and if we'd done that, we know we're a very good side.
“ I thought that was evident. The players started the game really well, created numerous chances.
“I'd like to have seen the game out a little bit easier, if you think, to the control we had. So we need to take our chances again. I was probably a little bit guilty of that again and what our play probably deserved.
“In a roundabout way, you can see at the end, I'd love to keep the clean sheet for the players, to have the clean sheet in the bank. But to lose the goal, but then not to lose the game.
"So to see the game out the way we did, showed real character and bravery because of everything that's happened in the last week. So I think the players deserve all the credit in the world for their performance levels today. And they certainly got what they deserved again."
It would be difficult to single out one Hibs player as having been key to the result as it was all about a team performance with standards high across the park. However, Gray did give a nod to debutant Jacob Devaney who was solid in his first outing for the club.
On the Manchester United loanee, Gray said: "I'm sure he can be really pleased with what he's done. Everything I'd hoped he would bring to the team, he certainly did.
“I thought you'd seen that. He's a young boy, but real maturity in the way he plays, real composure, passes forward and definitely gives us a different blend in that midfield and it's something we'll look to add to that.
“It gives us a different option and real strength and depth within that. On a personal note, he can be really pleased with what he's done.
“But to single anybody out, I just said that to the boys as well, would be difficult because I do think it was a real collective performance, especially for where we've been this week, to come through that and the manner that they did takes real character, so I'm really pleased with it."
Hibs boss not aware of any fresh transfer interest in players as speculation increases
Meanwhile, as we enter the final few days of the summer transfer window, there is plenty speculation doing the rounds about potential incomings and exits. However, Gray made it clear that the players who weren’t involved in the game today missed out through injury issues rather than any interest he was aware of.
“Warren [O’Hora] was just unavailable along with Adam Mayor, Josh Campbell, Owen Elding and Nicky Cadden was another one. He picked up a knock in the warm-up, which is hugely disappointing, but hopefully he's nothing too sinister there.
“So we did pick up a few on that Thursday night, which is disappointing, but I'm hoping that we'll see where we are for Thursday. We'll definitely have a couple back by Thursday, but not everybody and we'll just see where we are after today.
“We're getting very close to the end of this window now, so I would expect there to be speculation. As always, we are actively looking, we're actively being ready for whatever comes.
“But at this moment in time, I'm certainly not looking to lose anybody. But at the same time, everyone's got valuations and if it's the right thing for everybody involved, who knows. But whilst that window's open, you need to be ready and we certainly will be."