Hibs boss Shaun Maloney has confessed it was “incredible” on the touchline during his first Edinburgh Derby last night as Hibs and Hearts drew 0-0 at Easter Road – with the Hibees boss hailing debutant keeper Kevin Dabrowski.
The keeper denied on-loan Everton striker Ellis Simms three times in one-on-ones after he was one of five changes to the side from the 3-2 defeat by Livingston at the weekend.
Maloney praised the atmosphere at Easter Road too as he lauded the Hibees fans for creating a special ‘connection’ with the players.
“There was a really good atmosphere for my first home game against Aberdeen but what I felt there was completely different,” Maloney said.
“The connection between the support and the players was something I haven’t felt. It was an incredible feeling down there.
“The players gave just as much back to the fans and that was really good to see.”
When quizzed about the performance of Dabrowski, Maloney was in full agreement that the Hibs shot-stopper had been “outstanding”.
After joining Hibs in 2017 from Lech Poznan, Dabrowski has had to be patient as he waited for his opportunity between the sticks for the Hibees.
Maloney was delighted to see the Pole put in a fantastic performance as he raved about the 23-year-old.
“His performance was outstanding,” Maloney agreed. “The way he played tonight is how he’s been training but to actually replicate that in the biggest game of our season is huge.
“He can be really pleased, enjoy the night, and get back to it tomorrow.”
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