Three Hibs transfer moves assessed after Easter Road debuts as 'solid' ace and 'real handful' spark excitement

New Hibs signings have had verdicts cast on them after the club progressed to the next round of Conference League qualification.

Owen Elding, Felix Passlack, Nathan Lowe and Martin Boyle efforts sealed a 4-1 win on Thursday night and 4-3 success on aggregate over Kosovan side Malisheva. It means David Gray’s team face Shkendija of North Macedonia in the third qualifying round and Motherwell come to Easter Road this Sunday in a Premiership opener.

Centre-back Jason Kerr, wing-back Adam Mayor and striker Lowe all started their first competitive match at Easter Road. Hibs hero Scott Allan was on Sportsound co-commentary for the game and the club’s new forward loaned in from Stoke City left him impressed. Felix Passlack, Elding and Boyle also made a positive impression on the former playmaker.

Scott Allan on Hibs 4-1 Malisheva

He explained: “I think we all said it at the start of the show that if Hibs turn up, they win the game, and that first goal was always going to be crucial. They had to be on the front foot, they had to look to create chances, they did that, they got the goals. Malisheva really struggled. Ultimately Hibs have better players than Malisheva, so if they turn up and they look after the ball, they should win the game. What Nathan Lowe will do with his physicality is he'll attract defenders. The attacking threat's been there.

“Martin Boyle is always a threat. He always looks like he's going to create something and get shots away. He's done that. Owen Elding for me, as much as he's been good in the first half, I still think there's a lot more to come from him. Nathan Lowe is bedding into a new club and it’s always good to get a first goal, Passlack’s played at a high level, he's been really aggressive with the ball, hasn't had to defend too much but with the ball, he's been really aggressive. We've seen that at the tail end of the season last year. He's been a standout at times. What you have to give credit for is there was a bit of pressure on Hibs coming into the game, coaching staff and the players because of last week's performance, but they've answered that.”

Rory Loy was also on commentary, and like Allan, Passlack out wide was an impressive performer. He also assessed the performances of new signings Lowe, Kerr and Mayor, with Irish striker Elding also winning acclaim. The former Rangers and St Mirren forward said: ”There was a clear and obvious want to get the ball back into play quickly. All of this before the goal came, that set the tone, and I think that allowed the fans to realise that last week wasn't acceptable.

Nathan Lowe was on target for Hibs as they took down Malisheva. | SNS Group

How did Hibs new signings play vs Malisheva?

“They weren't about to make the same mistake twice. I think the fans realised the players were out to put on a show and they certainly did that. The first goal was a good finish by Elding, who I think has been very good, Passlack he's been excellent as well. Lowe, very, very good, they probably use him more than they need to at times given his physicality, I think they can work the ball up to him slightly better at times, but he's looked a real handful. I think he'll get in good battles with centre-backs and he'll trouble them and he'll make it difficult for them.

“He looks like a really good option for Hibs, you have to say, and he doesn't struggle for confidence having listened to him. I think Jason Kerr's been very good. He's been solid, he's not made any mistakes, he's covered a few times well. Shown good composure on the ball. Mayor, you know, he's probably still bedding his way in. He's a young lad, he's just signed permanently, so he'll be glad to join a club on a permanent basis and settle himself in. I think he's been a little bit rushed on the ball at times, looked a little bit nervy at times, which, as a young man comes sometimes joining a new club, new teammates, moving up north. I think he's done fine.”