Hibs pre-season training camp in Ireland with a comprehensive 5-1 victory over Cliftonville in a behind-closed-doors friendly match.
Jason Kerr, Nicky Cadden and Martin Boyle all on target for the Hibsin the first half, before Thibault Klidje added a brace in the second half to round off an impressive display.
The victory concludes a tough but beneficial week of pre-season which included multiple double and triple sessions throughout the week.
Head Coach David Gray was pleased with his players’ efforts
And speaking to Hibs TV after the match, Gray shared his thoughts on the overall performance.
“It was another really good run-out and another step forward for the players who got additional minutes. Considering the work we’ve put in this week, it’s been a really positive few days and it’s always nice to finish it off with a strong, emphatic performance.
“I thought the players put a lot into the game. We created plenty of chances, scored some good goals and could have had a few more. Overall, it’s another positive step forward in our pre-season preparations.”
Gray was particularly pleased get more minutes in the legs of certain individuals as we gear up for Hibs first European tie later this month.
“The players know they’re only playing a certain number of minutes, so it’s about maximising the time they’re on the pitch, and I thought they did that really well today.
“There was a noticeable step forward from Tuesday night’s game, helped by the work we’ve put in throughout the week, and the players looked in a really good place.
“Even after the game they went back into the gym to top up their work, so it’s been a really productive week and one they’ll definitely benefit from.
“The international players had a slightly extended break, so it was good to get 45 minutes into them today. They’re now caught up with the rest of the squad in terms of training and match minutes, so they’re in a really good place.
“It was also great to have Jack Iredale back after missing the first game. He got valuable minutes today and came through it with no reaction, which is another real positive.”
Gray reserved special praise for several Academy youngsters who all finished the game, with Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie and Joseph McGrath all gaining more First Team experience and exposure.
“As you mentioned, the younger players did well when they came on. We took Joe Newell off towards the end as a precaution after he felt a little bit in his groin. Given the amount of work the players have done this week, we weren’t going to take any risks in pre-season.
“That meant we finished the game with 10 men rather than putting someone else on, which gave the players another physical and tactical challenge. They handled it really well and it was pleasing to see the younger boys, like Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie and Joseph McGrath, step up and help see the game out without conceding.
“They’ve all trained really well throughout the week and have integrated into the group brilliantly, so they can be really pleased with how they’ve done.”
