Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘Clean sheet just as important as win for Hibs’
MANAGER Jack Ross insists the clean sheet in Hibernian’s 3-0 victory over Aberdeen was just as welcome as the three points.
Hibs kept out their opponents for the first time in the Premiership since clinching a narrow victory over St Mirren on the opening day of the season.
Since then Paul Heckingbottom lost his job in the dugout following a 10-game winless run.
However, a brace from Martin Boyle and a Florian Kamberi strike saw the Leith side rack up their biggest league win over the Dons in exactly 51 years.
And Ross felt the defensive showing also deserved credit.
He said: “Psychologically it’s a boost because the more it gets spoken about the more it becomes something for players to be concerned about.
“It was nice to have that threegoal cushion in the last 15 minutes, it made it a little bit more relaxing but it was still good to see out that period and come away with that tangible reward of a clean sheet.
“I feel in the main no team has played through us that often in the last five games but it was nice to get that reward.”
The clean sheet also coincided with Ofir Mariano returning in goal following Chris Maxwell’s unconvincing display in last week’s 2-1 loss to Ross County.
Ross insists the Israel international can be pleased with his performance.
He added: “I’ve been impressed by Ofir i n training, it was an opportunity for him to get back in.
“He is a very good shot-stopper and he has taken the opportunity and that’s all you can ask.”