Nectar Triantis got himself a rare Hibs goal in a man-of-the match display against Motherwell.
The Hibees comfortably eased past the Steelmen for the second time this season thanks to a Martin Boyle double and one from the Sunderland loanee, with Callum Slattery hitting the visitors’ only response.
David Gray’s side made it seven without defeat as they moved into the top six after bouncing about the bottom parts of the league most of the season.
It has been a drastic improvement since a move to the 3-5-2 by the manager and Triantis has been a big part of it with his performances at the base of midfield.
After signing as a centre half, the 21-year-old has hade the defensive midfield position his own and has won praise from fans in recent weeks.
And the manager has now joined in with words of praise.
Gray praises Hibs’ Nectar Triantis
Triantis covered every blade of grass at Easter Road as well as showing lots of quality on the ball and obviously chipping in with a lovely finish.
And after watching his loanee pick up the man-of-the match award, Gray was effusive in his praise.
He said: “Yeah, he’s done really well again today, especially the first half. I thought he was everywhere in the first half, really good composure on the ball as well, and then even moments in the second half, breaking up the play. He’s not played as a centre midfielder for a long time in his career.
“He came here as a centre-back, so he’s done a lot of work in terms of that [midfield] position, and you can clearly see he’s getting better all the time, which is great. He’s still young, you forget how young he is, only a 21-year-old, and he’s got that attitude and desire to keep improving, that’s the big thing. As a coach, it’s brilliant to work with players like that, who are desperate to improve.
“Even though he is a loan player, he’s still someone who I think has shown when he came in that he’s very much part of the team and really enjoying his football at the moment, which is great.”
Asked if it’s correct that Sunderland don’t have a recall clause, he added: “Yes, as far as I’m aware. I don’t know that 100 per cent, but I think that is the case, which is positive.
“It was a big draw for myself, trying to get him at the start of the season, because of what we believed he could give us, and the challenge for him is to keep improving, keep getting better every single day, and it’s my job and the rest of the staff’s job to make sure we do that.”
Nicky Cadden Hibs injury update
Nicky Cadden, who has been a key man for Hibs this season, had to be subbed off early after taking a knock in the face.
Gray update post-match and said: “He’s got a bang right on the side of his nose, a bit of a sore one, he’ll definitely be sore tomorrow, when he wakes up.
“I don’t know exactly, but it looks like a potential broken nose, which is unfortunate. I don’t think there’s anything in it, really. I think he does catch him, but his eyes are fully focused on the ball, and it’s just one of these things that happen.
“As I say, it’ll be a sore one tomorrow but he’s up and moving about, and there’s no real issue – other than the fact that his nose is all over his face, I suppose.”