Jack Ross: Hibs now in a position to make a significant statement as he delivers Jackson Irvine update

Hibs players swarm matchwinner Martin Boyle as they moved five points ahead of their main rivals, Aberdeen, in the chase for third place. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

But he says the result will only mean something if the Easter Road club can maintain their position and serve up the club’s highest top tier finish in 16 seasons.

“It will only be significant if we go on to finish where we are in the table at the moment,” said the Leith manager. “As a club we haven’t been in this type of position often enough in the last 20-odd years so we’re driven to try and succeed in that respect.

“I’ve spoken a lot in recent weeks about the importance of results at this stage of the season and we got that but equally we got a big performance in a big game so it’s really pleasing.

“Recent form is four wins from five which is good from us. I think we look strong again as a group. We had a lot of individual players dip at the same time five or six weeks ago but i think they are all looking sharp and bright which is a good sign for us.”

Martin Boyle stepped up to convert a first-half penalty and then struck again in the 68th minute to make it a personal haul of four goals in three games.

“He’s looked back to his best in recent weeks again,” said Ross. “He’s had some personal issues and we left him out a few weeks ago and I think he benefited from that rest mentally as well as physically. He’s settled a lot now and bringing Chris to the squad has allowed us to free him up higher up the pitch. I think he suited the game today and he was bright throughout. He might be frustrated he didn’t get a hat-trick but his contribution to the game was excellent.

The only disappointment were shoulder injuries to both Jackson Irvine and Alex Gogic.

“They were both impact injuries but there is no dislocation. They’re a bit sore and stiff and we’ll see how they recover.”

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