How the Hibs players rated against St Johnstone, with new signing top man

How the the Hibs players rated out of 10 against St Johnstone in the cinch Premiership opener at McDiarmind Park.

GK – DAVID MARSHALL 6/10

Did what he had to do. Made one routine save midway through the second half, but other than that the new captain wasn’t really made to work much by a blunt Saints attack.

RD – CHRIS CADDEN 7

Hibs midfielder Nohan Kenneh was superb in the anchor man role. Picture: Mark Scates / SNS

Picking up where he left off last season, he got forward at every opportunity from right back and looks like he will be a big player again this season.

CD – ROCKY BUSHIRI 7

Was briefly given the goal by Sky and BBC before it was taken off him. Steady enough beside Porteous at the back, where he wasn’t tested too much defensively.

CD – RYAN PORTEOUS 7

Elie Youan worked hard but lacked support and was crowded out as a lone striker. Picture: Mark Scates / SNS

Typically at the centre of the most controversial moment of the match when on the receiving end of Murray Davidson’s red card challenge. Solid at the back and distributed the ball well.

LD – MARIJAN CARBAJA 6

If Davidson’s tackle was a red card, the Croatian should also have been sent off for his late challenge on Ryan McGowan 10 minutes from the end. But he showed more than enough to suggest that he could be a good replacement for Josh Doig.

CDM – NOHAN KENNEH 8

Anchoring the midfield, the 19-year-old summer signing from Leeds United did the simple things well, breaking up play, filling in defensively and keeping possession. Exactly what Hibs have been missing.

CM EWAN HENDERSON 7

Another encouraging performance from Hibs’ best player during the Premier Sports Cup matches. Clearly playing with lots of confidence, he got into good areas and saw plenty of the ball.

CM JOE NEWELL 7

Dovetailed well with Henderson in the midfield three with Kenneh behind him. Clever ball behind the full-back to created a chance for Tavares in the first half, but at other times the idea was there but the execution lacking.

RF – ELIAS MELKERSEN 6

Looked sharp early on before fading. Right wing isn’t his natural or best position but he twice skinned Adam Montgomery in the first five minutes. Plenty of effort as always.

ST – ELIE YOUAN 6

Up against three centre-backs, it wasn’t easy for the French striker to find space and the service into him could have been better. He only had one half-chance in the second half. Plenty of effort.

LF – YAIR TAVARES 6

Should have done much better with his chance in the first half, doing the hard part with sublime skill to cut inside before ballooning over the bar with his right foot. There were glimpses of his talent, but not enough of them.

SUBS

CHRISTIAN DOIDGE 6

For Melkersen 69mins. His aerial threat gave Hibs a new attacking dimension in the last 20 minutes.

DEMITRI MITCHELL 6

For Tavares 69mins. Positive in possession when he was introduced on the left.

JOSH CAMPBELL 7

For Cadden 78mins. Got himself into the right place at the right time to scramble home the winner.

JAKE DOYLE-HAYES 6

For Kenneh 89mins. Came on for the last few minutes.

Player ratings scale - 10: One of best performances you've seen. 9: Outstanding. 8: Very good. 7: Good. 6: Average. 5: Poor, 4: Very poor. 3: Terrible day at office. 2: Abysmal. 1: One of worst performances you've seen.