Jack Ross hails his in-form Hibs trio after taking down Stranraer in the Scottish Cup

Hibs manager Jack Ross could not hide his satisfaction at the performance of his three main attackers after a handsome 4-0 win over Stranraer in the Scottish Cup.
Hibs boss Jack Ross could only applaud Hibs' attacking play.Hibs boss Jack Ross could only applaud Hibs' attacking play.
Hibs boss Jack Ross could only applaud Hibs' attacking play.

Martin Boyle scored a double, while Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge also found the net as the Hibees set up a home quarter-final against Motherwell next weekend.

His forward line could have scored more, such was their dominance over League 2 side Stranraer, with Boyle in particular wreaking havoc down Hibs’ right-hand side.

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Boyle, Doidge and Nisbet are all now into double-figures for the season and Ross is delighted with their contribution.

"The front three have been like that all season,” said Ross. “When you look at the number of goals, the three of them have contributed – all into double figures – which is terrific. You could argue that we need goals from other areas of the pitch, but when you have three front players who are producing that, then there's not many teams across the country who can say that.

"It's great for us and they are all in good form at this stage of the season.

"We do a lot of work with them and they all have a good understanding too. They are all good players individually. There is never a sense of them being selfish and they have provided a lot of assists to each other."

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"Martin Boyle has had a brilliant season. I think the expectations of him are that high that whenever he does come off it a bit it gets talked about, but if you look at his goals and assists he's up there with any player in the country.

"When he's super confident like that, he's a major asset for us.”

Ross commended his team for a thoroughly professional performance at Stair Park, with Doidge putting Hibs 1-0 up before the break. They doubled their lead through a Nisbet free-kick midway through the second half before Boyle scored his double, one from the penalty spot.

"I thought we were good,” Ross added. “We were favourites and the expectation was on us to win the game. The pitch wasn't easy to play on, but we created a lot.

"Perhaps we could have scored a few more goals, but I was very pleased.”