Hibs earn praise from European rival as Premiership boss claims clear aim of David Gray's solid plan

Jens Berthel Askou has praised Hibs’ approach to limiting his Motherwell team at Fir Park - as Easter Road head coach David Gray hopes to gain ground on the Steelmen.

The pair played out a goalless draw last time out in the Premiership pre-international break, keeping fourth-placed Motherwell six points ahead of Hibs beneath them. Askou’s team have earned praise for a possession-based approach this term and occupy the league’s final European qualifier spot ahead of hosting Falkirk on Saturday, who are a place below Gray’s outfit.

It wasn’t a game of high quality but the Danish boss was impressed by Hibs limited his side’s attacking players like Tawanda Maswanhise. He says that it’s clear that those in the race for prizes are all entering high stakes territory, with Hibs hosting Kilmarnock this weekend.

Motherwell boss on Hibs tactics

Speaking on the Hibs clash, Askou said: ”Everyone feels there's a lot at stake. I think everyone knew the importance of that game last time we played here a couple of weeks back and Hibs were really well organised. Very disciplined defensively, very well set up, in terms of making sure that they are really investing in not losing the game because that was important for them.

“We tried our best to win it and to open them up, found it difficult and maybe in a few sequences, especially in the second half where we had to slide the last perfect pass underneath that defensive line. Maswanhise had to connect with the ball, we were still a few straws of grass short maybe to really find perfection in these actions. We didn't really produce there against a team that was solid and came here with a good, strong, solid plan how to not concede against us.”

Kilmarnock will be Hibs’ focus on Saturday but a full-time glance to Fir Park may be had as the two teams they are sandwiched between look to take points off each other. With both sides putting an emphasis on fluid football, Askou expects an intriguing match-up against a team his side have failed to beat so far this term. Falkirk are also just five points behind Hibs.

Motherwell vs Falkirk assessed

Askou added: “I think we enjoy playing against all types of oppositions, we have to, and that's the mindset that we don't really care what we face. But I think there's a good opportunity that it could be an open and enjoyable game to watch where both teams at times play with risk but also reward when they succeed.

“I think the games have shown, especially the first time we played them here, that at times it was a little bit open which was enjoyable to watch. Also the game we played 0-0 away to them. I think there was some moments and opportunities, at times a good lively game, and they have just progressed and developed really, really strongly since we played them last time.

“I'm really impressed with what they've been doing and they’ve added some layers to their game which makes them even more complicated now to play against than they were last. So we know we have to be at our best. The good thing is the preparation has been brilliant because it's quite similar to playing against ourselves with the dynamic and the positioning, the fluent positioning they have and the ability to progress with the ball. The training sessions have been quite good in terms of preparing for that.”