Owen Elding ended a month-long absence with a positive showing against Aberdeen on Saturday to bring a ‘difficult week’ to a close.
Kevin Nisbet opened the scoring before Jack Milne felled Jason Kerr in the box, giving Martin Boyle the opportunity to level from the spot.
Elding was pitched in from the start by Interim Head Coach John Potter after being sidelined from the action by a calf injury sustained in the UEFA Conference League battle with KAA Gent in Belgium.
And he praised the character of his team mates for securing a valuable point.
Speaking to Hibs TV after the final whistle, he said: “It was difficult being injured, watching from the stands, knowing you can’t influence the game. It was lovely to be back out there with the boys.
“It’s a step in the right direction. Obviously, it’s been a difficult week for everyone, but the boys bounced back well to get a point on the board.”
“We spoke inside about sticking together in this tough moment. Everyone inside the dressing room are the only ones that can change what’s happening on the pitch.
“We showed really good character to get a result in the end after going behind. The boys deserve a break now, and we will regroup again, and hopefully we can come back in a better place.”
Whilst the break will provide respite for the majority of the squad, there will be no rest for Elding, who received his first call-up to Heimir Hallgrímsson’s Irish senior squad as they prepare to face Kosovo, Israel and Austria in the UEFA Nations League Group G.
He added: “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s a proud moment for me and my family, getting my first call-up.
“It’s been a long time getting the passport and all that sorted, so it makes it that much sweeter. Hopefully, we can get some results.”
