Three positions still lacking depth in the Hibs team after January transfer window

The Easter Road club recruited four players but still lack cover in certain areas

Forward

It was two out and one in during the January transfer window for a club that already lacked a bit of depth in attack.

Martin Boyle’s seemingly never-ending ascension from no-mark Dundee squad played to Scottish Premiership superstar lessens the problem somewhat as he can fill in up top, but the fact remains there are no senior strikers behind Christian Doidge and Marc McNulty, who will play together on occasion. Injury to either of them would leave Jack Ross with very few options in which to try and inject some added attacking impetus in games where Hibs are chasing a goal.

Jack Ross with recent signing Paul McGinn. Picture: SNS

Left-back

There isn’t really much competition for Lewis Stevenson, who himself isn’t having a particularly great season by his usual, thoroughly consistent standards. Tom James and Steven Whittaker can both fill into the position, but the former hasn’t exactly shone in his natural area of right-back, while Whittaker is no longer a player who can be relied upon to start every single game at this late stage of his career.

While we’re on the subject of the back four, they could perhaps have done with a little more help at centre-back, considering the injury to Ryan Porteous and the fact that nobody has particularly impressed at the position this season.

Defensive midfield

Melker Hallberg is the only player in the squad who’s a natural in this role. The Swede is certainly a very capable footballer, but the squad still lacks the kind of defence-protecting enforcer it enjoyed during Marvin Bartley’s time at the club. Considering his performances for Livingston this season, it seems that Hibs gave up on the experienced battler a little too soon.

Stephane Omeonga has even played at the position since his return to the club. While he’s capable of doing so, having him sit in front of the defence takes away the best part of his game, which is his ability to drive play forward and use his energetic running off the ball to improve the team’s tempo.

Again, Whittaker can fill in if needed, but it’s far from an ideal solution.