Malky Mackay lands Hibs praise for key decision paying dividends as pundit names David Gray's main man

A pundit has praised Hibs as they continue to build points in the Premiership - as Malky Mackay and a key player come in for praise.

Head coach David Gray has also been lauded after a 3-0 win over Falkirk, courtesy of a Kieron Bowie double and Martin Boyle penalty. It keeps them in the top five alongside Hearts, Celtic, Motherwell and Rangers, ahead of their next quest against the latter at Ibrox next Monday.

Gray guided the team to third last season after a sticky start and sporting director Mackay has been lauded by pundit Pat Bonner for deciding to stick by his man in times of trouble. He also feels Boyle is the man Hibs look to in key moments, with Motherwell credited as a key challenger for Hibs to contend with in the race for Europe.

What big decision did Malky Mackay make at Hibs?

The former Celtic goalkeeper said on Sportsound: “You've got to give huge credit to David Gray and to Malky Mackay by the way for sticking with him when he was under real pressure to change. He felt one game away from getting the sack and there was another great manager down in England I think who was probably one game away from getting the sack and went on to be a legend (Sir Alex Ferguson).

“David Gray has done remarkably well and they're on form, they're scoring goals, they've got Martin Boyle up front who's a real real handful. Watching the games at the weekend, he's always getting into great positions, picking up the ball and as soon as he gets that one vs one situation he's a real threat. The rest of the players then are doing their job around him but he's the key player.

“Motherwell, everybody's talking about Motherwell. I have watched Motherwell a couple of times and I watched them live earlier in the season. They played really good football but they had no cutting edge up front.

Who are Hibs’ main rivals for Europe?

“They scored goals three goals on Saturday (3-0 win vs Livingston) and if they can get that right, and the way they're playing and the confidence is running through the team, the manager has done really well too. They will be there or thereabouts for for a European spot and who knows maybe something even better.

“They are doing remarkably well. You've got to get both sides of it right to be really successful as there's no point scoring goals and shipping goals on the other side and vice versa. So you've got to get that balance right and that's the game and we've always said it.

“They're going in the right direction and everybody's talking them up which is great to hear, great to see, and good for Scottish football. They're in a good place. They are two teams that I think most most supporters, whether you're neutral or you are a supporter of either team, you're kind of almost wanting to see what the result is and to see how they're playing. You enjoy watching them.”