Hibs’ Head Coach Jack Ross claimed that he was proud of his players after yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Rangers at Easter Road.
In a frenetic but entertaining game t visitors had the majority of possession and looked to be in the driving seat after taking the lead but the Hibs’ players showed tremendous character and fought back to secured a valuable point.
Rangers went into the game with seven straight clean sheets in the Premiership, the first time this has happened for 114 years but midway through the first half Drey Wright ended that record with a powerful strike from Martin Boyle’s cross.
Gerrard’s men continued to play a fast attractive style of play and deservedly took the lead before Christian Doidge levelled the score with a trademark header.
After the final whistle Ross told Sky Sports: “I’ve got to be pleased about a lot of the aspects the players produced today. We wanted to win the game today. We spoke about that beforehand so we are not celebrating because we have only drawn but I think to produce that type of performance, because it is difficult, Rangers are a very good side in possession. They make it very for you. I think their second goal is an example of what they can do to you, so out of possession we had to be really discipled and work really hard.
“We did that and still carried a threat and then on top of that we showed character to come back when we were behind in the game. Nobody has scored against Rangers this season so to do it twice and enable ourselves to take something from the game is terrific. I am proud of the players in terms of what they produced today.
“It was a different test for us today. Either side of half-time I though we lost our way a little bit towards the end of the first half then Rangers changed their shape slightly and played with a little bit more width in forward areas.
“I am kicking myself a little bit as I was going to make the change prior to conceding the second goal but didn’t and I thought that helped us gain a foothold but we had to shows lots of different sides to our game today and I thought the players did that.
“We spoke before the game about this being an opportunity to go joint top of the league to win today and that’s after eight games, not one or two before the table takes shape so the players should understand that they are there on merit and they have shown that again.
“We have went toe to toe against a very god side and one that will undoubtedly will be up toward the top of the league all season so I think they are growing in belief and confidence all the time and they are going to need that next week. We are going to Parkhead and it’s another hugely difficult match but I think we will take an enormous amount of belief from today’s performance and result.”
Ross was also quick to praise goalkeeper Ofir Marciano whose fantastic double save from Scott Allan ensured a share of the points remained at Easter Road.
He added: “That’s what Ofir’s capable of. He’s made the reputation as a very good shop stopper and I have spoke often this season about him being in a good place physically and mentally. I think that’s been reflective in his performances and that save was crucial and you need that. Any time you play the top teams you need your goalkeeper to be in top form and he certainly did that with that save. “
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.
