Jack Iredale who has been absent for the last few weeks after having surgery for appendicitis, was relieved to be back in action yesterday.
And he was glad to provide an assist in Hibs’ 1-0 Premier Sports Cup Second Round victory over Partick Thistle at Easter Road.
Hibs dominated the first-half and were rewarded through an Owen Elding strike at the back-post, low into the bottom right corner, after getting on the end of Iredale’s cross.
That effort secured a hard-fought victory against a determined Partick Thistle and booked a spot in the Quarter-Finals of the competition,.
“It was a really good result, all things considering,” Iredale told Hibs TV.
“I thought the boys were excellent for the most part in terms of the physicality that was needed today, and the result was really, really important, and now we look forward to Thursday.
“We started really, really well, though I think we came off it a little bit, but when the ball broke, Owen [Elding] was in the right position, and there’ll be plenty more for him this season as well.
“It’s been an odd few weeks, but I’ve really missed it.
“I love playing out there, especially at Easter Road, so hopefully I can just get that rhythm and the match fitness to build back up nice and quick.”
Iredale was also pleased with another solid defensive display and another clean sheet and was full of praise for goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger, who pulled out a number of magnificent saves.
He added: “A clean sheet is really, really important. I thought Rafa (Sallinger) was fantastic today for us.
“We showed massive character again, and that’s several times the character’s already been tested this season, and we’ve stood up to it every time, so I think that shows you the togetherness that’s in the changing room.
“If you keep a clean sheet, you’re going to get a result from the game.
“We know we want to give the boys up top the best platform possible, but a clean sheet comes from the whole team with how hard everyone works, and it’s a step in the right direction for sure.”
