Adam Mayor is enjoying life at Hibs and admits to being surprised at the standard of Scottish football.
Mayor has thrived since arriving from EFL Championship side Millwall in July.
He scored after an individual moment of brilliance against Hearts, then fired home an unstoppable penalty at Global Energy Stadium on Saturday to help the Hibs book their spot in the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.
And as Hibs prepare to return to Easter Road to face Kilmarnock tonight, Mayor reflected positively on his time in Leith and a productive campaign to date.
He said: “I think it’s a massive week for us because the last two results in the league haven’t been too good for us, but the win on the weekend gives you a lot more confidence going into it.
“If we can go into the international break with two wins, it puts you in a lot stronger of a position when you come back.
“I’ve settled in good. It’s a lovely city, and everything like that.
“I think when I first came in, fitness-wise, I hadn’t really had a proper pre-season, so it took me a few games to really get going, but I think all the new lads who’ve come in, the team’s gelled well together, and I’m feeling good myself.
“I think most of all the football has surprised me.
“There are a lot more teams you want to play, keep the ball on the floor, whereas in England you get a lot of teams who are a lot more direct, want to go forward and play off second balls.
“I also think in terms of the Club, the size of the Club.
“I knew it was a big Club, but I didn’t realise how big of a Club it was and how passionate the fans are.”
Mayor’s penalty in Dingwall was, quite literally, in the top corner, and left Ross County goalkeeper Brad Foster with no chance, and while it isn’t something he’s been used to in his career, he hopes he can continue to find the back of the net throughout the rest of the campaign.
He added: “I think it’ll still be (Martin) Boyle [on penalties] if he’s on the pitch, but it’s good that the staff have got the confidence in me to say you can take them if he’s not on the pitch.
“It’s the first penalty I’ve taken in open play in a game. I’ve taken a few in penalty shootouts and put them in the same place.
“I’ve probably not always scored goals in my career, because as I’ve grown up and at the start of my professional career I’ve been a left winger.
“I like to go on the outside and put balls in, so I’ve created a lot of chances, and it’s mainly been more assists and goals.
“Last season and this season, I’ve had a few goals, and it’s been enjoyable to have added them into my game a bit more, and hopefully it’s something I can keep doing.
“I think it took me a few games to adapt to the Scottish game, but I’m confident in my ability and I know that I can get on the ball and I can play instead of having to go long all the time.
“I think it’s a good thing for me because if the team plays football, you’re a better team altogether, and I think I’ve done quite well.”
