'They wanted it more' - Hibs ace in damning Hearts derby admission amid 'character' vow to bounce back quickly
Easter Road standout sets sights on St Johnstone win and Scotland call-up
Hibs star Josh Mulligan admits Heart simply “wanted it more” as the Gorgie boys stormed to a derby victory at Easter Road. But the Scotland hopeful insists David Gray’s men have the character to bounce back from another hammer blow to their early-season ambitions.
Hot on the heels of their disappointing UEFA Conference League exit via a late home collapse against Gent, Hibs self-destructed in Thursday night’s 3-1 loss to their city rivals, with substitute Jack Iredale’s red card just one element of a brutal defeat. Gray’s men return to Scottish Premiership action against St Johnstone in Perth tomorrow.
Slow starts and late collapses
Mulligan, asked about his team’s tendency to start slowly against both Gent and Hearts, drew a distinction between the two games, explaining: “Yeah, I think that game (against Gent) was a bit different. The way we set up for that game was to sit in and hit them.
“That first half there (against Hearts) was just down to boys not getting close to men, not wanting it enough. They wanted it more.
“Obviously, in the second half, we come out and we put a foot in pretty much. The mistake obviously hinders us a bit and we lose the game. Yeah, any derby loss is tough, but we need to stand up and take it on the chin and go again.”
Comeback was on for Hibs
Insisting Hibs were in a strong position as they fought back to 2-1 after going two goals down, Mulligan said: “Yeah, definitely. I think everyone's seen that.
“We're definitely on the front foot - and I think we're going to win the game, to be honest. So for that to happen (red card), it's unacceptable.”
If there is any sign of hope from what Hibs have done this season, it’s in their consistent ability to rebound from set-backs. Most recently by following up that European exit with a win over Dundee at Dens Park.
Turning his focus to what happens next, Mulligan said: “Yeah, I think there are good characters in the group. There are leaders in the group.
“I think after a loss like that, you need that and you need to go again and bounce back. As a group, as a collective there are a lot of characters in there. We need to stick together, especially after that loss - because it wasn't good enough.
“Especially that first half, the way we came out wasn't good enough. Obviously, we get a reaction in the second half but ultimately we lose the game so we need to go again.
“It's obviously early on in the season. There's still a lot of football to be played, but we need to do more.
“We've got the players in there. Like you say, we could go on a run, but we need to do more. That's starting on Sunday.”
Mulligan’s own performance was a bright spark and, with new Scotland boss Sebastien Pocognoli in the stand on Thursday night, he can’t have done himself any harm. Last season’s injury issues, effectively ruling the midfielder out of a World Cup call-up, feel like a long time ago.
Addressing his international chances, Mulligan said: “You never know who's watching, so if he's watching the games and coming to the games you need to impress. Because ultimately everyone wants to be in that squad.
“I was out for six, seven months last season. I knew it would take a few games to get up to speed, but I'm starting to feel good.
“There's no excuses - you need to be at it every game and I know that. That's the level I want to be at. I need to go again. So do the rest of the boys and we need to stand up and like I said earlier, take it on the chin and go again.”