On form Jamie McGrath was “delighted” to add to his goal tally in yesterday’s 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

The Irish international netted his seventh league goal of the season, bringing him level with Kieron Bowie as Hibs William Hill Premiership top scorer, to see off the 10-man hosts after winning a penalty and converting from the spot inside stoppage-time. 

“We knew it was massive after the six points we picked up in a quick few days,” he told Hibs TV. “It was important to try and finish the week with nine, and give us the best chance of climbing the league and try to keep building on that momentum. Obviously, wins like today help. 

“I’m delighted [to score]. Any time I can help out, it’s brilliant. I thought first half we were very, very good at the start of the game. I thought we started really on the front foot. We played some nice patterns and you get that with Junior in there. He was brilliant at that first opening period, finding them pockets.

“Obviously, with Josh and Boyle out, it was a little bit of a change, but I thought we adapted and started the game really well. I thought we were full of value for our 1-0 at half-time. In the second half, they make it hard to get out. They start going a bit more direct. We showed good character to come out the other side and get the 3-1 win. 

“Obviously, the surface is the same for both sides, but it’s hard to do what we want. I thought we made the best of what we could do. We could have probably have been better at times. We were sloppy at times. When we got into good areas, we probably weren’t as clinical as what we’d like, but to score three goals away from home is very hard to do.

“We were obviously disappointed to give up the clean sheet, but like I said, to come out the far side of it was important.”

McGrath’s change in position has stuck following strong performances in the recent home victories against Hearts, where the shift began following Nicky Cadden’s early withdrawal, and Aberdeen – in which he earned the Player of the Match award in both matches. 

However McGrath admitted his frustration at not keeping another clean sheet despite his stellar performance. 

“Every game that goes by, I’m kind of learning. We do meetings throughout the week and the Gaffer’s been brilliant with me, telling me what to do and discussing little things like body shape and stuff that you wouldn’t really be too familiar with.

“It’s actually enjoyable playing out there. It’s something I’ve never done, but each week I’m delighted to kind of just help out and put in a shift. At this point, I’m now about clean sheets. I never thought I’d be saying that.

“It was towards the last half an hour, I was back into the middle of the park, which is a bit more familiar. But overall, a tough game and I’m just delighted to pick up nine points in this week and hopefully keep building that momentum.”

Hibs are now on a four-match unbeaten run, and three-game winning streak, across the festive period but another tough clash awaits the team at Easter Road next weekend.

The visit of fourth-place Motherwell allows David Gray’s men the opportunity to climb up the table with a win – a result McGrath is eager to secure in front of another large home support backing in Leith.

“They’re probably the in-form team at the minute. And so are we, so it should be a really good game. No doubt we’ll have a big turnout supporting us. I’m really looking forward to it.

“They’re a very good side. They play some really good football and I’m really looking forward to going head-to-head with them. We’d be hopeful to get the three points in the day, but it won’t be easy at all.

“They play some really nice stuff and they’re getting their plaudits as they deserve. So we’re going to have to be on it to give ourselves the best chance.”