Hibs' transfer window: Jack Ross has every right to feel content with January trading

The transfer window officially closed at midnight last night – but Hibs had already pulled it to and drawn the curtains much earlier.

Hibs' January signing Jackson Irvine in action during the league win over Dundee United. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

The on again-off again Kevin Nisbet saga reached its conclusion earlier in the day, with Hibs refusing to budge on their asking price and Birmingham eventually walking away.

After handing in a transfer request, the young striker seems to have come out of the situation the poorer, but he has no choice but to buckle down and produce his best form in the coming months if the big-time move and Scotland call-up he has been seeking are to appear in the summer.

A proven goalscorer, who had been deprived of significant chances to do that in recent weeks as the side failed to ignite its creative spark and formations were tinkered with as manager Ross tried to address that, at Tannadice there was a suggestion that Hibs’ January recruits could be a big part of the answer.

Hibs manager Jack Ross has been pleased with the way January signing Chris Cadden has been improving with each game. Photo by Ross Parker /SNS Group

While Stevie Mallan departed for Yeni Malatyaspor in Turkey on a loan deal that could become permanent in the summer, and Jamie Gullan was subject to a late loan switch to Championship Raith Rovers, Ross will feel that – on balance – he has emerged from the window in a stronger position than he entered it.

The mooted sales of Nisbet and fellow star performer Ryan Porteous never materialised and the three early signings have all appeared sound.

In his first couple of appearances Matt Macey looked a decent replacement for Dillon Barnes as the back-up for first choice keeper Ofir Marciano – and with the transfer window closed, Hibs will surely up their efforts to tie up the Israeli, and midfielder Joe Newell, on extended contracts – while both Jackson Irvine and Chris Cadden are coming into their own.

The Australian has shown enough in his first few appearances to suggest it may be difficult to hold onto him beyond the expiration of his short-term deal this summer, although Hibs will be trying. On Saturday, he was superb in the middle of the park and provided assists for both Hibs goals, showing composure and awareness in a crowded box and in battling for possession and then threading through a beautiful defence-splitting pass.

Cadden’s ability to offer width and penetrating runs deep into opposition territory was a huge asset at the weekend and ensured greater service to the men in the middle in open play and by winning set pieces.

“Both Jackson and Chris are getting better with each passing game,” said Ross. “I knew how good a player Jackson was anyway. It was just a little bit of a gamble because he hadn’t played for so long but he keeps improving with every match and is a really good footballer who has played at the level he has for good reason.

“Chris was excellent [against United] and is a really good signing for us. He is improving with each passing match too.”

Add to that the return to the side of a leader like Darren McGregor, to offer a bit of the warrior spirit and remind his fellow defenders that the manager has options if they allow standards to slip. Combined with the return to fitness of Newell and the ongoing progress of Scott Allan, Hibs have options.

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