Jack Ross says his players have to perform better in adversity

Hibs’ Head Coach Jack Ross insisted that Steven Whittaker’s dismissal was pivotal in the loss of three points against Aberdeen at Pittodrie yesterday but agreed that his players have to perform better in adversity.

Hibs deservedly led through Christian Doidge’s first-half
strike and but for the form of Aberdeen keeper Joe Lewis could have been two or
three up.

Whittaker was then shown a second yellow card for a late
challenge on Lewis Ferguson and from then on it was one-way traffic.

Ross replaced debutant Jamie Gullan with Melker Hallberg to
shore up the midfield but Aberdeen fought back and defender Adam Jackson put
through his own net before Andrew Considine and Curtis Main sealed the victory.

This ended a frustrating week for the long-suffering fans
and many are now questioning whether Hibs will finish in the top six. At the
moment they are one point ahead of St Johnstone who have a game in hand.

The pair meet at Easter Road next Saturday in what could be
the game that decides to final slot.

After the game Ross said: “I thought we were the better team
prior to the red card and Joe Lewis made two saves, the first in particular was
outstanding.

“The sending-off is pivotal, but you can still win a game
with 10 men. We were ahead in the game which isn’t a bad starting point, so we
need to be better in our response to adversity.

“We’re a good team and we showed that in the first hour of
the game. Our response to Tuesday night was excellent but that period
immediately after the sending-off cost us the game and the goals, from our
point of view, are pretty soft.”