Chat with gaffer in Spanish sun made it funtime on Leith
Adam Jackson insists a heart-toheart with Jack Ross in the Spanish sun assured him he had a bright future at Hibernian.
Jackson initially struggled to make his mark after joining the Hibees from Barnsley last summer.
The 25- year- old made just 12 appearances in the first half of the season and was prematurely written off as a bad signing by former boss Paul Heckingbottom.
Jackson attracted interest from Bolton in the January transfer window and at one point it seemed like his Easter Road career would be cut short. However, he has revealed boss Ross underlined his importance during their winter training camp in the Costa del Sol.
Ross stayed as good as his word af ter another ser ious injury struck stopper Ryan Porteous.
Ross and Hibs have been rewarded in style, with Jackson bagging three goals in four matches.
The defender said: “It was frustrating not to play a few months ago but at the same time we were starting to pick up results so I couldn’t have any complaints.
“But when we went abroad I spoke to the gaffer and he said I was going to be part of it so my focus was on being fit and ready to play.
“The belief of the gaffer has been vital. It is massive to hear that and it gave me the confidence boost I needed. You just never know with a new manager.
“He came in and I’d never worked with him before but he has always been honest and open with me.”
As well as cultivating an excellent rapport with Paul McGinn and Paul Hanlon in a new look back-three, Jackson has posted his best goal return for a season.
His latest strike in Friday night’s 5-2 Scottish Cup win over Inverness was one any striker would be proud of. But Jackson said: “I’ve just been in the right place at the right time. I’ve been really lucky but I just take that luck and convert when I can.”
Hibs’ next challenge is a derby at Easter Road on Tuesday, with Jackson and Co determined to make amends for their 2-1 defeat when the Jambos last visited Leith.
He said: “We can’t wait for the semi-final but more importantly now it’s Tuesday night which is massive, being a derby.
“The defeat here against Hearts earlier on in the season was a big disappointment after going ahead.
“It was frustrating and it’s time to right that wrong. We want to keep momentum going.”