Hibs drew 2-2 with St Johnstone at the weekend, and for some reason, Paul Heckingbottom played attacking midfielder Scott Allan on the right wing (Transfermarkt).
A draw at home against the Saints is a poor result for the Hibees. Fans were left shocked when Allan was placed out on the right, before he was hooked after 61 minutes following a lacklustre performance.
Hooked after just over an hour. (Photo by Callum Landells/Getty Images)
Why did the Hibs boss opt to play his creative influence out of position?
Allan plays best for Hibs in his preferred position
Throughout his career, Allan has played 29 times on the right, notching 11 assists (Transfermarkt). It is the first time he has been used there since arriving back at Hibs this summer.
It was easily the worst performance he’s turned in since returning to Leith and the position change didn’t help. The 27-year-old was placed out there to accommodate Christian Doidge in a two striker formation.
The formation accommodated Doidge. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
It didn’t work. Doidge wasn’t very effective and it basically rendered Allan useless.
What made this even more confusing was that Daryl Horgan was left on the bench. He is an international winger for Ireland and has looked promising for Hibs this season.
Horgan’s contributed a goal and three assists this term. Doidge looks like he is still adjusting to Scottish football. Heckingbottom tried to play to the Welshman’s strengths, but all he did was kill any impact two of his key attacking could make on the game.
Heckingbottom didn’t help Hibs star Allan on Saturday. (Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Allan has netted four goals and three assists from central midfield this season. Hopefully he will be put back in his natural position and we see the best of Allan once more.