Jack Ross has commented on Hibs’ penalty misses in recent weeks after another spot-kick failed to hit the net at Easter Road.
It was a positive night on Friday for the Hibees as they beat Inverness 5-2 in the Scottish Cup. Goals from Adam Jackson, Scott Allan and Greg Docherty had Ross’ men 3-0 up and cruising heading into the final 20 minutes.
Carl Tremarco’s cross was deflected into the net as Caley Thistle were given hope but Brad McKay’s challenge on Christian Doidge had John Robertson’s side playing with ten men for the final 15 minutes. Stephane Omeonga and Jamie Gullan wrapped things up in style, sealing a quarter final win and a semi-final berth.
One small concern was another penalty miss, Hibs’ third in row. Paul Hanlon and Marc McNulty squabbled over who would take it and eventually centre-half Hanlon got the job. His effort was well saved by Mark Ridgers.
Ross says it’s perhaps time he got annoyed by it- but overall it isn’t a huge concern as it shows the hunger that is within the Easter Road dressing room.
“I’ve always been relaxed about it as a manager,” he said. “Maybe I shouldn’t be because we’ve missed three in a row. You have to feel good about it on the park at the time. The three who have taken them have felt good.
“I don’t hold with this idea that a defender shouldn’t take a penalty. Paul is a good footballer, technically very good, better than most in the squad when it comes to striking the ball.
“We’re just going through one of these periods where it becomes a thing for people to talk about. Hopefully we score one soon and put it to bed. I genuinely didn’t see them arguing about it. It was still going on at half-time I think but I don’t mind that.
“We’ve got players who are hungry for success and there’s a lot of that in the group just now.”