Hibs: Jack Ross hails summer signings after Kilmarnock win and praises Josh Doig performance

The Easter Road head coach has had his say after the opening game of the season

Jack Ross was pleased with the performances of his three summer signings as well as youngster Josh Doig

Jack Ross hailed his three summer signings as Hibs held on for victory against Kilmarnock in the first game of the 2020/21 Scottish Premiership season.

Kevin Nisbet fashioned the opening goal for Martin Boyle and Alex Gogic brought a bite to the midfield that was sorely missed last term.

Drey Wright began at right wingback before being switched to the left wing and put in a good shift in both positions.

Speaking after the match, the Easter Road head coach said: “I was really pleased with them all, I had no concerns over how they would fit in.

"I thought they would go and produce a performance today, and they all acquitted themselves well."

Ross also had words of praise for young defender Josh Doig, who made his debut marking veteran Kilmarnock winger Chris Burke.

He continued: “He’s an 18-year-old making his full debut for the club, but he’s been excellent and I thought he was really good.

"He tired [in the second half], but he was playing against a really good opponent in Chris Burke, so I think that in itself is a good education for him.

"He can be really pleased with himself. It’s emotionally draining making your debut, irrespective of whether there are fans there or not, and at 18 years old, to do that for Hibs is excellent.

"He looked like he’d played a number of games already and long may that level of performance from him continue.”

After a strong first half from Hibs, the second period was very different after Burke’s sumptuous free kick just before the interval. However, Ross was satisfied that his team had managed to restrict Kilmarnock’s chances and hold on for the three points.

"In the first half I thought our attacking threat was really good; we scored two goals and we could have had more.

“The goal before half-time changed the dynamic. I don’t think we had any control of the game in the second half, but all credit to Kilmarnock for that.

"They were good in the second half, they forced us back and we had to defend resolutely and that was something that we worked hard on.

"We didn’t do that well enough last season, so it’s pleasing that we were able to limit them to few clear-cut opportunities.

"Ultimately, I’m just pleased to win the game, because that’s what it’s all about.”