Pundit names ‘real issues’ that remain with Hibs squad and admits transfer window ‘surprise’

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Hibs are on their longest unbeaten run in years and now look like challengers for third.

It is a far cry from where they were a matter of months ago with David Gray battling to keep his job despite only being appointed in the summer with his team at the bottom of the Premiership table.

Victory over Aberdeen at the weekend pulled the Hibees to within two points of Jimmy Thelin’s men, who at one stage had looked dead certs for third at the very least.

And they are only just the four behind Dundee United, who now occupy the ‘best of the rest’ slot.

It means Europe is now more than a distinct possibility for Hibs after their remarkable turnaround.

It’s not so long ago they were being roundly criticised and Michael Stewart named two ‘serious, serious’ issues they must look to rectify in the January transfer window – mainly a lack of quality in the team, in his opinion.

Stewart was later more specific and picked out goalkeeper Jordan Smith as a ‘massive concern‘, although the Englishman has been reliable as part of the storming run.

After Hibs picked up and embarked on their period with no defeats, Stewart still issued them with a word of caution about what they needed to do in the transfer window.

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Michael Stewart still thinks Hibs have issues

Stewart has given Hibs credit where it’s due for their recent run, particularly to manager David Gray and key duo Nicky Cadden and Martin Boyle.

But the pundit still worries about the make-up of the squad, and in particular in goals and defence.

He reckons they are “riding the crest of a wave” right now with confidence high.

Stewart told Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club: “Well, obviously the confidence is sky-high, it really is. And credit to them because when I look at the team as a whole I still see real issues.

“I don’t think the goalkeeper is good enough and I don’t think the defence is good enough.

“But they’re riding the crest of the wave and they’ve got some really good components that have kicked in.

“Nicky Cadden is the obvious one. His delivery, ability to come in with goals as well, has been a huge factor for Hibs.

“Martin Boyle up top has kicked into form and is doing a great job.

Stewart ‘surprised’ at Hibs’ January transfer window

Hibs’ only signing in the January transfer window was midfielder Alasana Manneh coming in from Danish side OB, and it became clear gray would only move for more if he felt he was getting genuine quality.

But Stewart doesn’t feel they’ve addressed the areas of concern he previously highlighted and was shocked to see them only add the one player.

He added: “I’m surprised they’ve not done more business in January because I thought they were going to have to plug those gaps they’ve got.

“But they’ve not and David Gray has done an incredible job to be able to get them on the cusp of the top six and challenging for the European spots. They’re right in the hunt for third now, no question about it.”