Hibs must show that win against Aberdeen was not a flash in the pan

Club captain wants to build on stunning victory

David Gray has insisted that Hibs have to show their stunning performance against Aberdeen was no “flash in the pan” following a season blighted by inconsistency.

Three straight wins ended a dismal run of ten matches without a win which took the Easter Road side perilously close to the foot of the Premiership table and resulted in the sacking of Paul Heckingbottom.

However, the feelgood factor engendered by those results as new head coach Jack Ross took charge was threatened as Hibs threw away a two-goal lead against Kilmarnock before being beaten by Ross County.

David Gray is hoping to return to action soon

But Ross’ players responded in style, thumping the Dons 3-0, a much-needed boost ahead of a punishing programme which sees them at Celtic Park on Sunday before a visit of Rangers and the second Edinburgh derby of the season at Tynecastle.

Now, claimed club captain Gray, it’s important they back up that win, saying: “I think we have to push the standards all the time. There has been a lot of games this season when we have played well but not got the results we wanted.

“The flip side to that is we went to St Mirren, didn’t play well and won. It happens and when you come away winning like we did at the weekend, everyone thinks it’s great.

“The important thing is how do you follow that up. We have a huge game against Celtic this week and we have to just focus on that. We were two up against Kilmarnock after a few good results and we drew and then we went to Ross County and got the wrong result.

“I think it shows the character we have to go out and beat Aberdeen. A lot of people would have said it was the same old Hibs after the County game, that is was a flash in the pan. But it is up to us to keep up the good results and push on again.”

Having picked up a serious knee injury at the end of August, 31-year-old Gray is nearing full fitness as is fellow defender Darren McGregor who has been out for just as long with an abdominal problem.

And he’s desperate to play his part over the second half of the season as Hibs hope to push on from their current sixth place admitting he’s felt powerless watching on from the sidelines, particularly during that long winless run.

He said: “It will be good to be back involved because it has been a long, frustrating time. It’s never nice to be injured, but sadly the one thing I do have is experience of that, especially longer-terms ones.

“It really hammers home when things aren’t going well on the pitch. The flip side to that is we are now playing really well and I’m really enjoying watching the boys. They were brilliant at the weekend.

“I don’t generally enjoy watching games because, as I say, you do feel powerless. I am probably more nervous watching than playing. But it is just part and parcel of football and, touch wood, this will be the last major injury I have to go through.”