Hibs injury list lengthens after Killie win - but Gray already targeting 'opportunity' to overtake Motherwell
Iredale and Megwa new casualties as Easter Road side complete ‘massive’ nine-point week
David Gray believes Hibs have the perfect “opportunity” to leapfrog much-admired Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership - after seeing his Easter Road warriors complete a nine-point week over a packed festive period. And the gaffer admits that his squad is being stretched to the limit after seeing another two starters limp out of action on the plastic pitch at Rugby Park.
An Elie Youan double and a Jamie McGrath penalty were enough to secure a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock, keeping Hibs within two points of fourth-placed Motherwell ahead of next weekend’s meeting between the clubs in Edinburgh. With Martin Boyle (hamstring), Nicky Cadden (calf) and Josh Campbell (impact injury) already missing the game through injury, Jack Iredale and Kanayo Megwa also picked up painful looking injuries on the day.
Hearts and Aberdeen beaten - now Killie toppled
Gray, who saw his team dominate Hearts to win the derby at Easter Road last weekend AND cruise to a 2-0 home win over Aberdeen in midweek, was thrilled to see his team bag a first away victory over Killie since 2020. Especially as it keeps the Steelmen within catching distance.
The former club captain, his team now sitting just four points off four points off second place in the table, said: “Motherwell have had a fantastic run, they're doing really well. I'm always about trying to catch that team in front of us.
“And you've not got a better opportunity to do it than playing against a team directly in front of you, at home. Both teams go into the game in real good form, so I'm sure it's got all the makings of a really good game.
“But the players should be feeling good about the last week. And it's my job now to recover the players, and make sure they're ready for next week, which I'm sure they will be.
“It’s been a really good week. Two wins at home and then come down here, to a really difficult place.
“I think it was 2020 or something the last time we came down here and won, so I think it shows it's a difficult place to come, the surface, everything that goes with that. And I think over the piece today, I thought we deserved it.
“Massive three points, massive nine points in a week, and obviously puts us in a really good position, with everything you'd want and hope for in the last week. I've spoken a lot about the squad, and the togetherness within it, and I think the biggest compliment I can give the players is the way they train every single day. And I think there's players that'll be frustrated, waiting for opportunities, but doing the right things every single day.
“So when the opportunity comes, they're able to step in. I think the squad was tested again today, picked up another couple of knocks, Kanayo in the first half, Jack in the second half.
“Then you need to think about substitutions, and you only stop the game so many times. And we’re missing some big players that have been big players for the football club for a while, Martin Boyle, Nicky Cadden.
“The squad has definitely been tested, but credit to the players who have stepped up. It's a massive week, we’ve got a couple of days to try and recharge the batteries now, and it sets it up nicely for a big one next weekend again.”
Artificial pitch a factor in two new injuries
Providing an update on the injuries, Gray pointed to the artificial surface on a bitterly cold day as he said: “Jack Iredale sort of jarred his, I think it was his heel; I'm hoping that's more to do with the surface, more than anything else, because it's very, very firm out there. I think the conditions don't help as well.
“We all know about AstroTurf pitches, but I think the time of year, when it's frosty like that as well, it can be quite firm. So I'm hoping that's more an impact on that, more than anything else.
“Kanayo was his shins. Again, I'm hoping that's due to the surface, almost a shin splint feeling. Because it's not something he's reported recently, so hopefully that's just something that is maybe down to the surface, more than anything else.
“Boyle, we should find out more on Monday. Nicky Cadden, back on the grass, which is positive, but we'll find out more on Monday as well, just with time of the year, trying to turn around scans and results. So it has been stretched, in terms of players coming in, players picking up knocks, and having to use the squad.
“It was good to have Kieron Bowie as an option, back off the bench again today. Rudi Molotnikov, getting minutes again today. You know, someone who's been plagued with injury this season, the back end of last season, working hard to get his opportunity, and I thought he done well when he came on again today.
“The squad's needed. They stick together, and keep the feet on the ground, and keep working hard.”