Nectar Triantis admits he’s been asking himself how to strike the balance between making tackles but ensuring he’s not picking up too many yellow cards.
The 21-year-old Australian signed for Hibs in February on loan from Sunderland and his spell at Easter Road was extended in the summer until the end of the season.
He’s been a regular for manager David Gray in the defensive midfield position but ill-discipline has been an issue for Triantis amid a tough time for the Hibees, who currently sit bottom of the Premiership.
Triantis has already been issued four yellow cards, one of which was a second yellow and thus a red card against Motherwell after 77 minutes.
The Steelmen then took advantage and went on to win the game to pile more misery on Gray’s struggling side this campaign, with the manager calling Triantis out after the game.
But admits after serving his suspension and surviving the Edinburgh derby on Sunday against Hearts despite being booked early on in the game, he’s learning that controlling himself as much as possible on the pitch is important.
Triantis on improving his discipline for Hibs
Asked if he has learned as quoted in the Daily Record, he replied: “Well I thought I did up until the first five minutes against Hearts. How do I stop going into tackles?
“That’s what I’ve been trying to ask myself! It’s just particular actions and decision making which you have to get right when you are on a caution so you do have to be careful at times.
“It’s something that I’m trying to get better at. It’s not great getting cards, especially early on. I’m not going to comment on the refereeing but I think it’s something that I can learn from.
“You’ve just got to stay disciplined and controlled which I thought I did for the rest of the game.”
Triantis on David Gray and Ross County vs Hibs
Despite Gray denouncing Triantis to the public for his second yellow against Motherwell, the midfielder has a good relationship with the Hibs legend.
“He has been really good to me, the gaffer was a big part to why I came back”, admitted Triantis.
“I’m really enjoying being under him and I think the team is as well. I don’t think results are a reflection of the time it’s been so far under the gaffer and hopefully things can change soon.
“When he got in touch in the summer he delivered a clear message that he wanted me to play number six. I see myself as a midfielder now. I have big characteristics and attributes for a holding midfielder.
Ahead of facing Ross County on Wednesday night, Triantis observed: “When we do reviews we know that there are many positives to take from the games but at the end of the day football is about results and it’s always that last hurdle it seems that we’re falling short. We’re trying our best to fix that and hopefully that can be corrected against Ross County.
“Our mentality is you want to win these games. You can’t go into games wanting draws or looking for one point. We were disappointed not to come away with three points on Sunday.”