MAN OF STEEL
Gogic adds mean streak to bring best out of Hibs
FOR Hibernian, a whirlwind start to the Premiership season is drawing parallels with Turnbull’s Tornadoes. Not since 1974, under the legendary Eddie Turnbull, have the Edinburgh side won all of their opening three matches in a top-flight campaign.
Yet, while Jack Ross’ front three of Martin Boyle, Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge have been lapping up praise after wins over Kilmarnock, Livingston and Dundee United, defensive midfielder Alex Gogic is cast as the team’s unsung hero.
Diligently patrolling the area in front of the back four, the Cypriot has added steel to the undoubted silk in the Hibs engine room.
Gogic knows from his Hamilton days that Hibs’ previously soft centre was an area identified as an Achilles’ heel and preyed upon by opponents.
However, since his summer switch from Accies, the Easter Road side has not conceded a goal from open play and Gogic is already dreaming of European football next season.
When asked if Hibs were soft when he played against them before, Gogic replied: ‘Yeah. Obviously, attacking-wise they were amazing but I think they were open to a counter-attack.
‘It was an advantage (seeing it from an opposition perspective). You can see how you can help balance the team out.
‘When I signed for Hibs, the manager said we were missing that aggressiveness in the midfield. He just said: “We want you and we want you to do what you do at Hamilton”.
‘I think we have that balance now, especially with the defence. Like you saw at Tannadice, they were amazing, heading everything and I’ll do as much as I can to protect them.
‘If we play like we did against Dundee United in every game, and if we take it game by game, then definitely we can go into Europe.
‘If we can go further, brilliant. But I think the aim is to go into Europe. A club like Hibs should be aiming for Europe.’
With Hibs believed to be keen on Rangers youngster Ross McCrorie, Gogic could face increased competition for his place.
While he can also play centre half, defensive midfield remains his preferred position and he particularly enjoys the roughand-tumble nature of the Scottish game.
‘In the beginning, I was playing more as a centre-back for Hamilton,’ he said. ‘But once I played in the midfield, I enjoyed it more and I think I could help the team more, especially Hamilton, who defend much more.
‘I do like that aggressive side of the game. In Scotland, you don’t get given fouls as easily — but I really enjoy it.’
Gogic is hoping First Minister Nicola Sturgeon does not pause the Scottish season due to Covid-19 and also that a fine campaign with Hibs can win him international recognition with Cyprus.
That would see him follow in the footsteps of father Sinisa, who represented his country 37 times and faced Rangers and Paul Gascoigne in a Champions League qualifier in 1995 while playing for Anorthosis Famagusta.
‘There is a new Cyprus manager (Johan Walem) and fingers crossed there is some good news,’ he smiled. ‘It would be an honour.
‘It is a hard situation for everyone (with coronavirus) but I hope we keep playing and there is no stop, no break in the season.
‘I’m really enjoying it here at Hibs and I’m doing well. To get a call-up for Cyprus would be just amazing.
‘I’ve never been called up by the first team before. The first year I came to Hamilton I didn’t play much and then the second year I got injured.
‘Last year I didn’t get a call-up either, but I think it is an honour for every player to play for their national team.
‘My dad would be very proud of me if I could follow his steps and play for the national team.
‘He was a striker, so he had a different role in the team that involved scoring goals. But, if I can help Cyprus not concede, then I would be happy.
‘But if I do get a call from Cyprus I would have to get used to the heat again. I’m not used to it here in Scotland.
‘Cyprus has games coming up against Montenegro at home and Azerbaijan. Hopefully, we will get good results, just like Hibs.’