Hibs boss singles out two 'unsung heroes' amid strong impact from new signings

Easter Road boss praises ‘unseen work’

Paul Hanlon challenges Celtic midfielder Ismaila Soro during a pre-season clash

Hibs head coach Jack Ross has paid tribute to his summer signings after a strong start to the Scottish Premiership campaign – but insisted the players who don’t make the headlines deserve just as much credit.

Striker Kevin Nisbet netted a hat-trick in the 4-1 win at Livingston, while Alex Gogic has added steel in the midfield. Drey Wright was injured for the trip to West Lothian but showed flashes of his talent in the opening-day win over Kilmarnock.

Discussing Gogic’s display against Livingston, Ross said: “We lacked that type of player last season and he’s not disappointed; he’s been really, really good.

“If you speak to our defence, they’ve benefited from his presence in the team as well."

Accepting that the Cypriot’s work may have been somewhat overshadowed by Nisbet’s exploits, Ross added: “He does go unnoticed but a lot of footballers do because they play that unsung role.

“Paul Hanlon is probably the most underrated centre back in Scotland, for me, in terms of his qualities and what he gives me every single week.

"Paul McGinn has been as reliable as any full-back in the league – and yet rarely makes headlines. And there are others.

“Alex fits that bill too; guys who hit a certain every level every week but maybe don’t catch the eye as much.

"They’re vital to us winning games. When I came here and looked at what would help us as a squad, he was immediately at the top of the list.

“We got to see his progress in the latter part of last season, then got the opportunity to bring him here.

“We had to work hard to do that but I think he’s grown, as a player, in his time in Scotland.

“He was somebody who knew the league, and the demands of the league. And that’s shown in how quickly he has settled.”