Hibs boss Jack Ross revels in Fraser Murray’s progression

Head coach delighted with player's response to playing against Celtic as he looks to blood more youngsters

Jack Ross watches Fraser Murray in training

Hibs boss Jack Ross admits he is looking forward to seeing Fraser Murray “kick on” after giving the midfield youngster his first chance to shine after becoming head coach.

Murray struggled to force his way into the plans of Ross’ predecessor Paul Heckingbottom, making just six appearances as a substitute, the last of which came at the end of October.

The 20-year-old made the matchday squad for the 3-0 win over Aberdeen but got no further from the bench. He finally got the call at Celtic Park, replacing Scott Allan for the final 11 minutes as Hibs lost 2-0.

But, revealed Ross, even in that short space of time, he likes what he has seen. He said: “It was an opportunity to get him on the pitch. Everything he has done in training has been very good and in the reserve game I watched he was very good.

“I like him, I think he has good attributes. It is important we continue to have a pathway for our players and for him to be on the pitch at a venue like that and a match like was really good for him. I hope that gave him that taste and I hope he can kick on.”

Murray isn’t the only player to have found game time hard to come by in recent weeks with Ross standing by those who have pushed Hibs into the top half of the Premiership.

Eight players have been ever present in his six matches to date with the likes of Stevie Mallan and Daryl Horgan spending more time on the bench than they would have liked but, insisted Ross, even those who have managed only a few minutes have played their part. “I have been delighted with how each of the players, every time they have stepped off the bench, have made an impact.”