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Horror form from Reds has opened door to Europe for Jack’s men
IT’S not just fans who love seeing their side playing in Europe – it’s a major thrill for players as well.
I can assure you the Hibs lads will be starting to get excited of the prospect of hitting the continent next season.
Let’s be honest, league duty can get a bit monotonous when you are playing the same teams four times a season.
But when you are in Europe there is a kick from going into the unknown and tasting of a different kind of football.
Hibs are almost there now. They merited a point against Livingston at the weekend and it was another huge step towards their goal, with Aberdeen slumping to another defeat.
I was pleased for Christian Doidge to get back on the scoresheet as a goal drought for a striker is tougher the longer it goes on. Even though his performances have been decent, he will have been desperate to find the net.
He’s back in business and Kevin Nisbet will be flying when he comes back from Scotland duty.
Hibs can almost reach out and grab third but I can’t believe what’s happened up at Aberdeen. To score just one goal in nine games takes some doing.
You could stick a wheelie bin in the box and the ball would hit off it and go into the net at some point but it seems like they have completely forgotten how to score.
They have gone off a cliff and it’s made life easier for my old club. A seven-point gap is massive going into the split.
It’s not like the bottom half where a club could string a run together of three or four wins. In the top half of the table you are up against the Old Firm for a start and it’s a lot tougher.
The reality for Hibs is they probably just need to make sure they don’t lose to Aberdeen and they are home and dry.
You wouldn’t be betting on the Dons much these days either.
Take nothing away from Hibs though. They have earned the right to be classed as the third best side in the country.
The rewards are huge this time. You need a degree to work out UEFA’s new set-up for European football next term but no matter how you do the maths, it now looks like third spot will guarantee European football until Christmas.
The last time Hibs were still involved on the continent that late Santa Claus hadn’t started shaving.
I’d love to see Jack Ross’ lads getting in the group stage and then landing some decent sides in the draw.
The finishing line is in sight this season but it’s the start of an exciting time for everyone at Hibs.