Hibs manager Jack Ross says he can’t fault any of his players that aren’t in his matchday squad at present as he challenges them to work their way into his plans.
The former Sunderland boss was left disappointed at full time after Hibs’ match with Kilmarnock. His side had held a two goal advantage through Christian Doidge and Jason Naismith goals, but strikes from Alex Bruce and Dario Del Fabro snatched the three points away from them in a 2-2 draw.
Ross watched three points fade away yesterday.(Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images)
It cements their spot in sixth although they missed a chance to go level on points with Killie in fifth. This game also saw the same squad, starting XI and subs used for the third consecutive time under Ross.
It has led to the likes of Josh Vela and Glenn Middleton having to watch from the stands. Whilst he wants them to keep pushing for places, Ross can’t fault their effort.
“They just need to continue what they’ve done so far, They’ve trained really well, they’ve been positive in everything I’ve asked them to do and I’ve talked to them a lot,” Ross said of his players struggling for minutes. “At the moment, there’s nothing more they can do than that.”
Hibs players like Vela are struggling for minutes under Ross. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
“It’s up to them to make sure that when an opportunity arises, they take it. That is the nature of football as well. It can be quite cut-throat. But equally, you can be in control of your own destiny if and when the opportunity is provided to you.
“So, when that opportunity comes, you can’t say for certain, but if it comes along, they’ve got to make sure they take it and the only way they take it is if they continue to train properly. To their credit, they’ve done that to date.”