JACKSON TAKES A FIRM GRASP OF HIS HIBS LIFELINE
WHEN afforded a grand total of 14 minutes to impress Jack Ross in the new manager’s first 10 games in charge, the Hibernian future did not look bright for Adam Jackson. Transfer-window interest from League One strugglers Bolton then pointed to the defender being a disposable cast-off from the dismal Paul Heckingbottom era.
The misfortune of others — injuries to Jason Naismith and Ryan Porteous — did play a part in ushering the ex-Barnsley man back into contention.
But Jackson doesn’t look like he’s in there on default any more, his polished performances in an improving Hibs team a marked contrast to uneasy efforts at the start of the season.
Three goals in his last four games, including the opener in Friday’s 5-2 Scottish Cup quarterfinal win over Inverness CT, are an unexpected scoring windfall in his contribution.
Feeling the faith of the manager and assistant John Potter after the winter break work has been key to Jackson capitalising on an Easter Road lifeline.
When asked what turned his fortunes around, Jackson replied: ‘Belief from the gaffer. He’s had a lot of chats with me. And, along with Pottsy (Potter), we’ve worked hard in training as a unit — as a back three and as a four.
‘I think we’ve all gelled well into the system we’re playing and just enjoying our football.
‘The trip away to Spain for the week worked really well for everyone — for bonding, fitness, shape. Everything.
‘We got it all in that week, which was great. I had a little illness over the break so my focus there was being fit and getting ready to be backing playing.
‘I came back, spoke to the gaffer and he said that he wanted me in his plans. I just bided my time and got the chance to play. When he said he wanted me here, that was massive to hear. It gave me the confidence boost.
‘He was always honest and open with me. It was frustrating not to play a few months ago. But, at the same time, we had started to pick up results so it wasn’t one where I was able to say to the gaffer: “Look we are getting beaten every week”.
‘I couldn’t have any complaints because we were playing well and getting results.’
Only five points off third place in the Premiership, Hibs have gradually emerged as contenders for Europe. They are also entertaining Scottish Cup dreams again after becoming the first club to book a last four place. Jackson was among a confidence-sapped Heckingbottom group to suffer at Hampden in the Betfred Cup semi-final — a 5-2 thrashing by Celtic.
Since then Christian Doidge has scored 15 goals in 21 appearances, Martin Boyle is back up to full fitness and Greg Docherty and Marc McNulty have slotted seamlessly in as impact loan signings.
Five goals from five different scorers against Inverness — Jackson on 38 minutes, Docherty, Scott Allan, Stephane Omeonga and Jamie Gullan — ensured a relatively smooth passage back to the national stadium.
Paul Hanlon, after barging McNulty away from the ball, was earlier denied an opening goal from the penalty spot by Mark Ridgers who then blocked the captain’s rebound attempt.
‘My goal came quite quickly after the penalty so the nerves were settled and we just got back in our routine,’ said Jackson.
‘I’ve been really lucky the last few weeks with goals. I’ve been in the right place at the right time.’
All of which sets Jackson up perfectly for his first proper taste of an Edinburgh derby — against his former Oakwell gaffer Daniel Stendel on Tuesday.
Jackson was stuck on the bench for the 2-1 home loss to Hearts in September and the Boyle-inspired Boxing Day success.
The 25-year-old noted: ‘Daniel did really well last year, got Barnsley promoted, but it didn’t quite work out for him this season.
‘So he moved up here and it’s a bit iffy at the moment over there, so I hope he doesn’t do well on Tuesday.
‘I’d rather see him at the end of the game with three points in the bag for us. Otherwise, I wish him well and he can crack on.
‘Our defeat here to Hearts was a big disappointment after going ahead in the game. It’s time to right that wrong. We want to keep our momentum going.’