NEWFACES CATCH THE EYE FOR VISITORS

While much of the focus was on the Hibernian players left out of the starting line-up amid transfer interest, Jack Ross saw his recent signings catch the eye in the victory over Dundee United at Tannadice.

Ross kept Birmingham target Kevin Nisbet on the bench along with Ryan Porteous, who was reportedly the subject of a rejected offer from Millwall.

The Hibs head coach expects both players to be with him beyond the transfer deadline although Birmingham remain keen on Nisbet.

Keeping the pair would see Hibs emerge from the transfer window significantly stronger given the contributions of Jackson Irvine and Chris Cadden at Tannadice.

Former Ross County, Burton and Hull midfielder Irvine set up both goals, while ex-motherwell man Cadden is building up his match sharpness following his return to Scotland from the United States and caused problems down the right flank.

“Both Jackson and Chris are getting better with each passing game,” Ross said.

“I knew how good Jackson was anyway and I took a little bit of a gamble as he hadn’t played for so long, but he keeps improving with every match.

“He is a really good footballer who has played at the level he has for a reason.

“Chris was excellent. He is a really good signing for us. Again, he is someone who hasn’t played a lot of football regularly.

“But it is testament to his professionalism how he has handled these fixtures and, again, improving with each passing match.”