Hibernian boss Jack Ross admits that he took a gamble starting Jackson Irvine against Kilmarnock at the weekend. Irvine, a recent signing for the Easter Road club, had not played football this season prior to his Hibernian debut.
However, the gamble paid off, as Irvine turned in a fine display in the 2-0 win over Kilmarnock. Ross disclosed that he spoke to Irvine before the game, and the player was confident that he could make an impact if selected.
“He felt good”
“I was surprised he probably lasted the game as well as he did, because he’s only trained a couple of days with us as well. But I had a good chat with him, and he felt good” Ross said.
Jackson Irvine in action for Hibernian (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
“He will get better. But equally, for somebody that hadn’t played since March, I thought he was excellent. He can be pleased, I’m pleased we got minutes out of him. The easy thing would be just not to involve him. But I felt it was worth a gamble to do that, and thankfully it paid off for us” he concluded.
Ross was also impressed with Josh Doig’s performance against Kilmarnock, and the role he played in the opening goal.
“Big part of it”
“I think Josh’s energy in the second-half was a big part of it (the win). His contribution to the first goal was big, he should have had a penalty as well. He’s been excellent this season. 18-years-old, to play as many games in the Premiership and make the impact he has is really good.”
Hibernian’s Josh Doig was praised by Jack Ross (Photo by Paul Devlin/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Irvine and Doig are next in action for Hibernian on Sunday, when they take on St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup semi-final.