Michael Weir: Joe Newell vital to balance in Hibs midfield

Kilmarnock is not an easy place to go and all credit to the players for getting the result.
Joe Newell has become a key player for Hibs in midfield and has helped the balance of the teamJoe Newell has become a key player for Hibs in midfield and has helped the balance of the team
Joe Newell has become a key player for Hibs in midfield and has helped the balance of the team

The manager has found a way to win at venues where a lot of teams can drop points. Come the end of the season, you'll look back at these games as a very good three points.

A lot of people underestimate these types of games and how vital it is to get points in them. If Europe is the target come the end of the season, these are the matches that will get you there.

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Joe Newell had another good 90 minutes and seems to have turned a corner. I know he had his fitness issues earlier this year but the crucial thing is that now he's fully fit.

You don't see the real player until they're 100 per cent fit and I think that's been the case with Newell.

He's playing in game after game, his confidence is growing, and he's become a very important player for Hibs. People forget the experience he has - he's played at a high level for a good while.

He took a bit of time to get going at the start but he's found a right good vein of form now and all credit to him.

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It's very difficult to get a left-footed player in the middle of the pitch. It gives you good balance, and his performances have been really good recently. I hope he can keep it going.

Jack Ross has got the balance right in midfield and whether he plays two or three in there, Newell has been a key part of it.

When the manager plays a three, it gives Newell licence to get forward and I think that suits him.

It's vital to find a balance in the middle of the park but I think the crucial part has been him, as that left-footed player. They're hard to get, and difficult to find.

I think he's definitely found a new lease of life, and I just hope he can keep it going because he has been excellent in the last few games.

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