Boss bemoans Hibs’ lack of squad depth
Hibs boss Jack Ross is desperate to sign players that will give him new options.
The Easter Road squad was looking a little threadbare during yesterday’s 0-0 at Motherwell.
Recent injuries to Ryan Porteous and Jason Naismith have been a blow and David Gray missed the game through illness.
Ross said: “We’ve gone from a relatively healthy position as a squad to one that’s a bit stretched now.
“Everyone who was available was stripped, including Jamie Gullan and Fraser Murray, both younger players.
“We’ve been pushing to try and get two in, and I’d be hopeful we’ll do at least two this week.
“If we do that, we’re in a better position.
“We might do more than that, but certainly two in and no more out would be the plan for this week. Hopefully that proves to be the case.”
Hibs produced a largely defensive display at Fir Park but the manager insisted that wasn’t his intention.
He went on: “It’s a difficult place to come, against a team which is on a really good run, but we came to win, which you could probably tell by our attacking line-up.
“Overall, though, it’s another point in the right direction for us.”
The point wouldn’t have gone to the Leith club without an amazing save from goalkeeper Ofir Marciano to deny Manzinga.
Ross said: “Ofir’s not had that much to do in recent weeks – some games, he’s hardly had a save to make – and the clean sheet is pleasing for the group.
“Arguably, shotstopping is his biggest strength.
“His ability to react like that is a big plus. It’s an important trait for any goalkeeper because it wins you points.
“He made some big saves in our early matches and now, after a period of relative inactivity, he’s made another one.
“Our defensive performances in recent weeks have been pretty good, even though they haven’t always been rewarded by clean sheets.
“We’ve had to make a lot of changes due to the serious injuries to Ryan Porteous and Jason Naismith and today David Gray was ill so we’ve had no continuity at the back.
“It’s testament to the character of the group and also to how well Adam Jackson and Tom James have trained that they’ve been ready to go and help us.”
The former Sunderland boss seemed bemused at being shown the yellow card by referee Colin Steven during the first half.
He added: “I would love to know what it was for.
“I just asked the question without swearing and without raising my voice.
“Obviously, I’ve been out of the country and the rules must have changed. Now dissent must be different.
“There’s nothing I can do about it, but I’ll learn not to ask questions anymore.”