Why Hibs midfielder Alex Gogic is eager to make up for lost time after Covid test blow

Key player missed defeat by Aberdeen as well as international duty

Alex Gogic admits his previous experience makes him nervous during every round of routine testing

Alex Gogic is very matter-of-fact as he discusses the period of self-isolation he was advised to take by the Scottish FA and Scottish Government.

During a routine round of coronavirus testing, the Cypriot returned a result requiring “further investigation” but despite two follow-up tests coming back negative, the 26-year-old was forced to sit out Hibs’ Scottish Premiership clash with Aberdeen, with the Dons ending Hibs’ unbeaten start to the season with a 1-0 win courtesy of Lewis Ferguson’s first-half penalty.

It is the only match Hibs have lost so far this season, and the only fixture in which Gogic hasn’t featured.

Now the former Hamilton Accies man is keen to put the experience behind him and help Hibs build on their impressive start to the campaign, as well as keep performing at a high level in the hopes of securing a second chance at making his international debut for Cyprus.

Gogic, who was capped at Under-21 level, was called up for the UEFA Nations League matches against Azerbaijan and Montenegro during the last international break, but had to pull out of the squad after the testing saga.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s home match against Rangers, Gogic said: “Self-isolating wasn't nice, especially with a few nice days I was thinking 'why now, it would be easier if it was raining', but the protocols are there and they must be followed for the safety of everyone else.

"It might be selfish thinking ‘I want to go out’ but it's about taking care of everyone else.

"You can't do anything about it. The most frustrating thing was that I couldn't really help the team, but it's not in our hands.

"I think as long as I focus with Hibs, then I'll hopefully be called up by Cyprus again. I've just got to keep doing what I'm doing here and then my rewards will come with that.”

Footballers are required to undergo regular, vigorous testing and the midfielder admitted that the incident last month plays on his mind.

Gogic added: “It does get in your head like, 'please don't come back with anything', but I think as long as we're healthy, that's the most important part.”

Hibs will be relieved to have the no-nonsense enforcer available for the visit of Rangers on Sunday after he helped the Easter Road side to a 3-0 win against St Mirren in Paisley last week.

Although he expects the Gers to be trickier opposition, the player is in no doubt as to what Hibs have to do against Steven Gerrard’s side.

Gogic said: “As a football player, you’ve got to believe that you can win any game; it doesn't matter who you play against.

"Some games are hard and some are easier, but you can't go with the mentality that you're going to lose. I think you just might as well not even turn up then.

"We've started very well this season and I think Jack Ross is right to say we must have a go against Rangers. I think we must have a go at any team.

"They've kept all clean sheets, but we haven't conceded through open play so I think both teams defensively are very good, and now it's just about trying to prove who's better.

"I watched a bit of their game against Lincoln Red Imps. They're doing very well so they're going to be on a high but we've just got to get a goal and try our best.”

Gogic will be keen to add to his win record against Rangers after twice enjoying victories against the Gers at Ibrox during his time at Hamilton, and admits that Hibs may need the rub of the green on Sunday.

Gogic continued: “We need to be strong defensively. Sometimes you need a bit of luck, and then to score and then you just have to stay strong and try not concede – that's the most important thing with these kind of games.

"They'll have a lot of the ball, and I think we’ve just got to defend as hard as possible and try not to concede but sometimes we will press high, and then the next aspect is to try and score a goal.

"With Hamilton, it was a more defensive set-up but when we went to Ibrox, or even when we played them at home, we tried to get something out of the game.

"So it's much the same really, but maybe attacking-wise we might have the ball more than we did at Hamilton."