Hibs players reminded they are 'still in driving seat' as Jack Ross urges side to regroup

Hibs should be buoyed by the fact they remain in pole position to finish the season in third place, according to manager Jack Ross.

Hibs manager Jack Ross wants his players to remember that they still have advantage in race for third place finish, despite recent defeat. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

But, frustrated by his side’s loss to St Johnstone on Saturday, the manager reminded his men that lower ranked opponents are embroiled in their own battles and will not make it easy for Hibs to convert in-game superiority into points.

Determined to keep the dreams of a top six finish alive, the McDiarmid Park side grabbed an early goal and then stubbornly held on to stymie their Leith guests.

“We were the better team. In the first half there wasn’t a lot in it but in the second half I thought we were excellent, dominating a good side in their own stadium. So it’s frustration at not taking at least a point,” explained the Hibs boss, whose emotional reaction to the referee’s denial of a well-positioned free-kick, in the final period of the match, saw him receive a yellow card.

With Aberdeen only drawing elsewhere, the Leith side have a three-point advantage and head to Dingwall at the weekend hoping to extend that to six as they fulfil their game in hand.

“It’s important we go and win. I’ve been critical and honest when we fall below standards but that didn’t happen [in Perth] - that second half was probably the most St Johnstone have been camped in their own final third in a lot of home games this season.

“So, it’s important for us to regroup again and I have to remind the players they are still in the driving seat to finish in third place.”

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