Hibs debrief: A familiar tale of 'what might have been' at Ibrox

Another trip to Ibrox and another encounter in which Hibs fell just short.
Hibs midfielder Kyle Magennis battles for the ball with Rangers counterpart Steven DavisHibs midfielder Kyle Magennis battles for the ball with Rangers counterpart Steven Davis
Hibs midfielder Kyle Magennis battles for the ball with Rangers counterpart Steven Davis

Under Neil Lennon and Alan Stubbs Hibs always looked up for these games and got their fair share of results and while there is no question about the side's ability to compete, there does seem to be something missing from these performances.

It has been said before but it needs said again - Hibs are missing a John McGinn type in the middle of the park who can take the ball and run at defences.

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Kyle Magennis may be that man but the former St Mirren man has had such a stop-start season with niggly injuries that we are still to see him at his best. There have been flashes of his talent in his fleeting appearances and surely at full fitness he will bring something different to the Hibs engine room.

The Scottish Cup trip to Stranraer might be a good time to give Magennis and a few other fringe players a start and the chance to show what they can do - because if there's one lingering criticism of this Hibs team it's that the central midfielders have a tendency to be too similar.

Given the League Two side’s hectic fixture schedule in the lead-up to the cup tie, Hibs should have more than enough in reserve to advance in the competition, rest key players, and give others a chance.

Player of the match

Martin Boyle gave Rangers, and especially Borna Barisic, a torrid time down the right flank, and came close with a first-half effort. Can be a bit frustrating at times but still such a threat for Hibs.

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Defining moment

Either effort from Boyle or Nisbet in the first half. Had one of those crept in, you'd imagine the game may have looked a bit different in the second half.

Referee watch

Don Robertson harshly booked Boyle in the first half and ruled out a goal from Porteous that didn't look to have much wrong with it. Apart from that...

In case you missed it…

Hibs looked far better with Chris Cadden on the park. The wingback has been benched for recent games but gave Jack Ross a reminder of his talents at Ibrox.

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