Michael Weir: Hibs' reliance on Darren McGregor can't last

In certain games it is vital to have experience, especially at the back, and Darren McGregor has come in and steadied the ship, providing the leadership I think the team has been crying out for in recent weeks.

Darren McGregor has impressed since coming back into the fold

Ryan Porteous has done well but I think he still has a lot to learn and that there’s more to come from him.

It's easy to forget that he’s still only 21 and to ask a boy that young to play at the absolute top of his game every week is virtually impossible.

There is going to be a drop-off point, when he needs to be taken out of the team for a breather, and I think McGregor, David Gray, and Lewis Stevenson are the ideal candidates to have in reserve to allow these youngsters to develop their game.

We’ve seen Stevenson come in for Doig and it’s certainly helped him to progress.

They all have a part to play but long-term, Hibs definitely need to rebuild at the back. They are not going to have Paul Hanlon, and McGregor and Stevenson forever.

There comes a point where a rebuild is vital.

I personally feel it should have been done already; I think they should have already started the rebuilding process but over the next five or six months that has to be a priority and I think the manager knows that.

I was surprised that they didn’t bring in another centre-back during the transfer window, simply for cover. I can’t see McGregor playing every week, and if the starting defenders get injured or suspended who do you turn to then? Another youngster?

Going forward, Hibs have a lot about them. There are plenty of forward-thinking players in midfield, they are maybe a bit light up top, but I definitely think they need strengthening at the back in terms of experience.If it was me, that is where I would start my rebuilding process. Hanlon, McGregor, and Stevenson have done really well for the club but a rebuild is definitely needed and it will only get more difficult the longer they leave it.

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