Mind over chatter was vital for Ross Boss warned Hibees to ignore virus chaos
Jack Ross revealed he turned Hibs into a focus group in a bid to keep their minds on the job.
Ross feared his players would get sidetracked by the chaotic build-up as virus-hit St Mirren were left scrambl ing for a keeper ahead of the game.
His plea for calm worked a treat as goals from Kevin Nisbet, Joe Newell and Martin Boyle compounded a miserable week for the Buddies.
Hearts shot-stopper Bobby Zlamal was drafted in on an emergency loan just hours before kick-off to save 40-yearold Jamie Langfield pulling the gloves back on. Ross said: “We had tried to ignore the noise around the game but it was good that we prepared in that manner.
“We started well and it helps if you have that platform to build on.
“I hadn’t brought the keeper situation up with the group and even pre-match when we knew it was Zlamal that was in, we didn’t really speak about it.
“We just took it out of the equation and looked at what we knew would be there, in terms of the rest of the team, and how we go about that.
“I can’t say there wasn’t an impact on Jim Goodwin’s preparations because I went through that a few weeks ago and it is a hindrance.
“I don’t think it was a factor in our performance and the manner in which we won.”
The result never looked in doubt from the moment Paul McGinn’s cross was turned in by Nisbet.
Hibs were far too slick and when Boyle found himself in behind again minutes later, his cut-back was stroked home by the arriving Joe Newell.
Saints felt they were denied a penalty when Ryan Porteous handled but Willie Collum waved play on.
Any hint of a revival was extinguished shortly after the hour as Newell’s deep cross evaded Zlamal for Boyle to tap home at the back post.
Ross said: “We picked a team to have that attacking threat.
“Jamie Murphy gives us a different dynamic.
“He is a very, very good player and I’ve been hugely impressed with him since he came to the club.”