Rocky Bushiri was the man who popped up with a huge moment for Hibs in the 96th minute to claim a draw against Aberdeen.
The big centre half has barely featured for the Hibees this season but has now played two full games in a row after coming on at half-time against St Mirren.
It rescued a point for David Gray’s side when it looked like they might be heading for nothing yet again despite deserving more on the basis of their display.
The manager was delighted for that season but also for Bushiri on a personal level because of the way he has carried himself.
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Gray on Hibs hero Bushiri
Hibs boss David Gray has preferred to use summer signings Marvin Ekpiteta and Warren O’Hora as centre back partners for most of this season.
But with Ekpiteta picking up an injury against St Mirren, Bushiri replaced him. The Englishman is expected to be out for several weeks so the 24-year-old is likely to keep deputising.
His manager insists he deserved his moment tonight because of his exemplary attitude towards training despite having not been used much in the early parts of the season.
Gray told his post-match presser: “I’m delighted for him personally because he’s the model professional. He’s someone who hasn’t played anywhere near the amount of football he would like but trains properly every single day.
“He gets frustrated because he’s not playing, of course he does, but he does everything right and he’s waited for his chance.
“I’m delighted for him that he’s popped up with a goal.
“He goes away on international duty and doesn’t play as much as he would like on that front as well but he’s always available
“He wants to play and does everything right so that when he does get his opportunity he’s able to step in and deliver and I’m delighted for him on a personal note.”
Praise for Youan
Elie Youan looked in the mood for Hibs and was a threat throughout, unlucky not to score with a shot that was headed for the top corner until Dimitar Mitov’s intervention.
Youan had been criticised over the weekend for his attitude after commentator Michael Stewart and pundit Marvin Bartley picked up on him mucking about with the ball in the wake of Jordan Obita’s red card.
He looked out to prove a point tonight and caused Aberdeen a lot of problems with his pace and trickery.
On Youan’s performance, Gray said: “Yeah, he had moments again tonight where he was really bright and really sharp. He’s obviously really difficult to play against because of the attributes he’s got.
“And obviously he had an injury at the start of the season so he’s still getting minutes in the legs so that can be a positive for him and the team.”
Asked if Youan’s display proved he has a resilience, Gray added: “Yeah, he does. But I made the point that anyone who knows Elie Youan knows that’s where he’s happiest, when he’s playing.
“He just wants to play football, he loves it. That’s what he’s interested in. The noise around it I’m sure it will be very difficult at times but you seen today he’s really enjoying his football when he’s on the pitch.”