Exclusive:Hanley performance gives Hibs defensive selection decision as Rocky returns for Euro qualification run-in
Three consecutive clean sheets have put Hibs within three points of fourth-placed Motherwell
David Gray insists he “always” faces a selection conundrum at the heart of the Hibs defence. And the Easter Road gaffer says Grant Hanley’s dominant return to the starting XI has merely added to the “tough decisions” he’ll need to make as his team look to extend their run of consecutive clean sheets in pursuit of back-to-back European qualification.
Hanley turned in an outstanding performance in the 3-0 home win over Kilmarnock on Saturday. The veteran Scotland international hadn’t played a minute of proper first-team football since limping out of the home draw with Rangers on February 1 – but stepped into the centre of the back three to cover for Rocky Bushiri, who was delayed in returning from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s World Cup qualification celebrations.
Rocky had nailed down starting spot
Bushiri, who had started in nine consecutive games before the international break, is now back in training and pushing for a swift return to the first team. Giving Gray a welcome headache ahead of this weekend’s trip to Aberdeen, as Hibs look to maintain the pressure on Motherwell in the race for fourth place.
The gaffer, asked if he was surprised by Hanley’s impressive outing against Killie, said: “Absolutely not. I know it's easy to say it after it happens. But you don't have the career he's had and play to the level he's had without being a top professional and a top player.
“I think that's something that he demonstrated again coming in. His leadership, his organisation, how he defends the box and how infectious that is for people around about him.
“Obviously he’s been out for a long period of time. We've had a bounce game in that period but only played 45 minutes, a few extensive sessions with him.
“And then he went away with Scotland. Didn't get minutes with Scotland, missed the second game through precaution.
“I always knew he'd be available for the weekend. So that was really good that he came through that the way he did. Obviously now he'll be in a much better place even having had that 90 minutes under his belt as well.”
Reporting that Bushiri had returned to training this week, after missing the Killie game when the DRC squad were flown back to Kinshasa for a national holiday following their play-off win over Jamaica in Guadalajara, Gray said: “Rocky's back. He's trained this week.
“He’s got a huge smile on his face, as you’d imagine, because of brilliant success for him and his country. And he's trained all week so it's good to have him back.”
Defensive record ‘no accident’ - Gray
Pressed on whether the availability of both Hanley and Bushiri – who have played together on occasion - gives him a decision to make, Gray declared: “Always. We've always got that decision.
“I think one thing when you look at our defensive form, we’ve just put together three clean sheets in a row. So that's something that doesn't happen by accident. That happens because good defensive organisation. Not just the defenders but the players in front.
“So you’ve always got tough decisions to make. Add to that you’ve got Jack Iredale, Jordan Obita, Warren O’Hora, Kanayo Megwa, Gara (Munashe Garananga) as well.
“So there’s a lot of competition for places. I think between now and the end of the season you need to make sure everybody's fit and ready to go. The more options you can have, the better.”