Kris Boyd impressed by two Hibs transfer deals as he gives club thumbs up in European chase
The former Rangers striker believes the club recruited well in January following the exit of Kieron Bowie
Kris Boyd claims he wouldn’t be ‘surprised’ if Hibs sneak their way into the European places after a January transfer window that has proved successful so far.
The Hibees closed the gap on Motherwell with their 3-0 win over Kilmarnock at Easter Road on Saturday, in a match where new boys Owen Elding, Felix Passlack and Ante Suto all found the target. As the Steelmen continued their late-season blip at home to Falkirk, Hibs are now just three points shy of fourth place and have a chance to keep their momentum going on Saturday away to a struggling Aberdeen side.
When top scorer Kieron Bowie left for his big money move to Hellas Verona in January, Boyd was unsure whether David Gray was going to able to replace the numbers of the Scotland international but with nine league goals combined for Hibs’ new boys, they’ve reinvested the £7 million fee for him wisely.
Hibs additions can aid European ambitions
Hibs are unbeaten in their last six as they now prepare for their trip to Pittodrie. The difference between finishing fourth compared to fifth could be monumental as there is no spot in Europe guaranteed in their current position. Despite Motherwell occupying fourth spot for the past few months and even at times verging on the title race, Boyd believes Hibs are now very much capable of leapfrogging their Lanarkshire rivals.
The former Rangers striker has also been particularly impressed with Elding and Passlack, who’ve both hit the ground running in a green and white jersey. Speaking alongside Steven Naismith on The Warm-Up podcast, Boyd claimed: "What about Motherwell and Hibs? That's tight as well now, isn't it? Where are we going there? Owen Elding has came in and I think he's been excellent. I mean, even his goal at the weekend as well. He's been really, he's been a really, really good signing.
“As has Passlack as well. You know, he's obviously chipped in with a goal. A couple, I think, in fact. I think Hibs' recruitment has been decent. You know, everybody thought (the worst) when Bowie left, but they've used that money wisely. I think they could finish the season very strong and I wouldn't be surprised if they're the team that nicks sat fourth spot. I think they will finish fourth.”
Motherwell drop-off paves the way for Hibees
Jens Berthel Askou’s side have received praise all season for their brand of football and have been one of the league’s surprise packages. However, as the campaign nears its conclusion, they’ve hit a wobble at a less than ideal time. The fixtures don’t get any easier for the Well either, as they travel to league leaders Hearts this weekend. Hibs will face Motherwell at Easter Road on the final day of the season and are hoping their fate will be in their own hands leading up to the finale.
Former Jambos man Naismith added: "Last game of the season. That is going to be a biggie. Although, I think Motherwell have dropped off slightly. Their consistency all season has been excellent. Defensively, the stats, they're blowing everybody out of the water. But I do think in recent weeks their performances have just not been at that same level. I think they could drop more points. I think Hibs' recruitment in January has probably been under their radar, I think. think they've come in, they've done well. They've just, no shouting about it. They've just went about their business. I think they could have a strong finish."