David Gray admits Hibs are reaping the rewards for their recent change in shape.
And three players in particular have been given a shoutout having been afforded more game time as a result of the new system.
Gray had persisted with a 4-2-3-1 formation for the majority of the season but it saw Hibs struggle to gain results consistently.
The final straw was against Dundee when Hibs were battered 4-1 at Dens Park, so Gray mixed things up for the visit of Aberdeen a few days later.
Gray opted for a 3-4-1-2 shape that sees the introduction of wing-backs and two strikers. And with that, Hibs have drawn against the Dons and beaten Motherwell – so far, so good.
Over the last couple of games, the likes of Jack Iredale, Nicky Cadden and Rocky Bushiri have benefitted greatly and Gray is happy he can call upon his full squad when needed.
- READ MORE: Hibs legend Paul Hanlon explains why he turned down Premiership offers to sign for Raith Rovers
On Cadden, Gray said: “He is exactly what you see, one hundred per cent in training every single day.
“Obviously he joined late in terms of having been without a club for a while so missed a bit of pre-season, didn’t have the bank of fitness that he would have had liked when he first came in.
“Then he had a couple of setbacks injury wise – but you’re starting to see the benefits of him having had a bank of training and a few minutes on the pitch.
“He just forces people to defend with the appetite he has to try and create opportunities, to play forward when he can.
“He’s brave on the ball, he’s got good delivery and good quality – and also the right attitude when he loses it, you know?
“He’s desperate to try and win it back. So all of the reasons why we brought him to the football club, for all the reasons we’ve seen previously, we’re seeing all of those qualities regularly now.”
Jack Iredale and Rocky Bushiri also praised
On the new 3-4-1-2 shape, Gray noted: “It’s worked really well for different reasons. Obviously, we conceded three goals the first time we’ve done it so everyone would say they didn’t really make a difference!
“But it’s probably worked because of the personnel who have come in and done really well. They’ve been given the opportunity and credit to them for that.
“I talk a lot about shape only being a matter of a few yards depending on what way you want to go. But I think just the timing of it, players get an opportunity.
“Jack Iredale’s had to wait a long time for his opportunity. He was injured when he first came here, he was out for a period of time. Like Nicky, he didn’t have the bank of training.
“We were so far into our regime that he was probably getting up to speed. And then to be flung into three games in a week, that was tough for him to be able to come in in that environment.
“He did well but being available for the first team was a challenge, and he’s had to be really patient before taking his opportunity.
“Then you’ve got guys like Rocky Bushiri. He’s not played as much as he would like – but he’s trained incredibly well.
“I’ve mentioned that a lot in recent weeks, the strength of the group even during the difficult times. That’s what kept me going through that process, the fact that I felt the group was still really strong.
“Even the players who weren’t playing were still massively wanting the team to do well, I hear it behind me all the time, players sitting behind me on the bench, guys who would love to be on the pitch, still being very supportive. That’s the sort of culture that gives you a chance to be successful.”