Hibs head coach David Gray anticipates a tough test against Dundee tomorrow but he insists that the players have shown a real appetite and desire during the international break.
Hibs last outing was a disappointing home defeat to St Mirren two weeks ago and the club remain at the foot of the table.
Speaking to Hibs TV ahead of the clash, Gray admits that he has seen a reaction from his players on the training pitch and that the sole focus is on getting three points on Saturday.
“It was a frustrating start to the week, particularly coming into the break after a defeat like that. The manner of the first-half performance (against St Mirren) was really difficult to take – but the reaction in the last two weeks in training has been really good.
“We have had several players away on international duty, so the numbers have been lower – but the group have shown a real appetite and desire to turn this situation around.
“The players have been together long enough now, we’re getting fitter and stronger. There is a good togetherness in the group, I can see that on the pitch and that is replicated in training.
“I also believe in how quickly things can change, we’ve got three games in a week coming up and our full focus is on Dundee and getting three points on the road. I think they are sitting seventh at the moment, so a win takes us to within a point of them and gets us moving up the table.”
Over the international window, there were six Hibees on international break – with Hoilett, Molotnikov, Boyle, Miller, Moriah-Welsh and Bushiri all away with their respective nations. Gray provided the latest on those six, and the rest of the squad ahead of the trip to Dens Park.
“Everyone has come back safely, which is the most important thing. They are travelling all over the world – we’ve got players in North America, South America and Australia as well so getting everyone back fit and healthy is the most important thing.
“The majority of them all got minutes in some capacity, which is great. Everyone else has been in the building and working hard in specific areas that we need to improve on.
“We got the full group all back properly today, so we will see how everyone comes through training today. We’ve had a few bumps and bruises over the last couple of days but I am hopeful everyone will come through okay and will be available for the weekend.
“Another positive is that Mykola Kuharevich is back after serving his suspension.”
This will be the second time we’ve faced Dundee this season, with the first ending in a frustrating 2-2 draw at Easter Road.
“It is always a tough test up there”, Gray continued.
“They will be full of energy, they have got Simon Murray who works hard up-front and they have a lot of quality in other areas of the team too.
“That is us played everyone in the league now – with the exception of Aberdeen – so we know exactly what to expect now, we know the challenges that face us and we will be ready for them.”
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.
