Finish with a December to remember
Ross will be happy if Hibs reach his month’s target of six points from 12
JACK ROSS will be satisfied if Hibs can make it six points out of 12 from a run of games he targeted before taking the job.
The last two weeks have seen Hibs take on Celtic, Rangers and Hearts ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Livingston that rounds off 2019.
A 2-0 defeat at Celtic was followed up with a 3-0 home loss to Rangers in which Ross admitted Hibs put in their only disappointing display of his brief tenure.
Boxing Day’s Edinburgh derby was mainly about whether Hearts could get a first win under Daniel Stendel but Hibs’ need for the points was perhaps overlooked. Martin Boyle’s first-half double meant they headed back across the capital with the victory and bragging rights, making it successive victories in Gorgie for the first time since the late 1970s.
But Livingston on current form represent a sterner test. Gary Holt’s team have won their last two home fixtures 4-0 and 3-0 and have been swapping sixth place with Hibs over recent weeks.
Ross is under no illusions how stern a test his team face on the artificial surface in West Lothian and will be pleased with his squad’s return over the festive period if they can finish the year with a positive result.
The Hibs gaffer said: “It’s strange. When I was speaking to Hibs about this job I looked at the fixtures and knew this period – Aberdeen, Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Livingston – was a tough one.
“Coming to the end of it we have done okay out of it but we know how difficult Sunday will be as well.
“It’s a different challenge in terms of atmosphere although we will take a good travelling support with us. The surface is different.
“So there are a lot of different dynamics to the game and the danger is you come from the emotional high of Thursday and there’s always a natural down. It’s such a quick turnaround for both sides as well so we’ll assess the players over the next day or so and see if we need to freshen anything up for Sunday.”
Ross has been relatively consistent with his team selections since taking control, with injury and suspension forcing him in to three alterations ahead of their Tynecastle triumph.
Ryan Porteous is available again after serving a onematch suspension but Florian Kamberi’s knee injury means he’ll miss out again.
The boss added: “We haven’t made many changes. Scott Allan wasn’t feeling well so we’ll see how they report and go from there and I’ll look properly at Livingston as well to assess what we need best.
“The break coming up gives you that little bit of comfort that you can push boys a little bit more than you would normally.
“Flo has a knee injury. He’ll miss Sunday as well and with the break coming up hopefully he’ll be back during that period.”
We have done okay but we know how difficult this one will be
JACK ROSS AWARE OF THE THREAT FROM LIVINGSTON