Anthony Stokes has praised his striking partner Simon Murray following Tuesday’s 5-0 victory over Ayr Unted at Easter Road and he believes that the partnership will become even more successful once they have played more games together.
The Republic of Ireland international scored twice on his first start for the club, the second a tap in at the back post following a superb cross from Murray and he also set up his partner with a sensational reverse through ball into his path.
Stokes’ performance won him the ‘man of the match’ award and he is now looking forward to a trip to Ibrox on Saturday.
The last time the pair met was the Scottish Cup final in 2016 which Hibs won 3-2 and stokes believes that the current squad is better than the one which lifted the trophy.
He said: “Simon’s a clever player who works hard and is hungry. You can see that he is always in and around the goals. He has got an eye for it.
“He is eager to run and always wants to go in behind. I’ve said to him that sometimes you can do more damage by standing still or just backing into the opponent and being a link player, but he is flying at the moment so he doesn’t need me to tell him anything.
“I thought at time the understanding was there but we probably need to play together a few more times to really get it going.
“I think it was as good as it could have been because you are not going to walk in, play with someone and instantly know all about their attributes.
I’m just glad to be back playing football and I really enjoy it at Hibs. I think this is a better squad than the one I left with more depth and competition for places.
“I came back because my last two spells here went so well.
“I enjoy the club and the people in the background who work here.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
