Hibs debrief: Action Jackson, Ross gets it right, and old timers steal the show

Some laugh when Hibs are winning 2-0 with their star playmaker, leading goalscorer, and a highly-rated centre-back on the bench.

Jackson Irvine and Martin Boyle celebrate a goal made in Australia. The winger netted Hibs' second from Irvine's pass

Jack Ross has been criticised for his apparent “lottery approach” when it comes to team selection but he got it spot on at Tannadice – even in keeping Scott Allan, Kevin Nisbet, and Ryan Porteous on the bench.

Alex Gogic was brought in for this type of game and strolled it, while the decision to keep Darren McGregor in defence and restore Martin Boyle to the starting line-up brought its rewards as the defender netted the opener and the winger put in the sort of performance we’ve become accustomed to seeing from him and capped it off with a goal.

There’s nothing wrong with rejigging the team for certain games if it works and Ross deserves credit for making bold calls that ended up paying off.

Player of the match

Jackson Irvine, the moustachioed dynamo in the middle of the park, with two assists. The Hibs hierarchy must surely be contemplating locking him in a small cupboard at East Mains, sliding an improved contract offer under the door, and not letting him out until he’s signed it.

Defining moment

The first goal. Too often this season Hibs have dominated proceedings but failed to find the net. There was a sense of deja vu about the opening spells at Tannadice – blocked shots, poor corners, final ball sometimes lacking – but McGregor lashing in the opener helped Hibs on their way to a key win.

Referee watch

Gavin Duncan did his best to let the game flow, although he might have been a bit more authoritative when Chris Cadden was getting kicked from pillar to post in the opening exchanges. Will come under scrutiny for both penalty incidents, too.

Benefit of hindsight

Hibs have been crying out for a leader in defence and in McGregor they look to have finally found one. If he can keep himself fit, surely one of the first names on the team sheet for the foreseeable… but we’ll be wondering for a long time if he might have improved the defence earlier.

Dont miss out on our transfer-window offer to get 20 per cent off an annual subscription. Use the code TRANSFER20 when clicking on bit.ly/EENtransfers