Jack feels a spot of frustration
Jack Ross refused to have a go at his Hibs players after they threw away a two-goal lead against Celtic.
The Easter Road gaffer believes Celtic’s penalty award was the turning point in the thrilling draw.
The capital men led 2-0 through strikes from Jamie Murphy and Kevin Nisbet, but let it slip after Neil Lennon’s men pulled a goal back through Odsonne Edouard’s spot kick after Paul McGinn was adjudged to have handled in the box.
Hoops full-back Diego Laxalt popped up in stoppage time to earn a point.
Ross had no major gripe with the penalty but felt Hibs should have had an earlier penalty when the ball struck Kris Ajer’s arm.
But he was full of praise for his players’ performance.
He said: “The penalty for Celtic was an important moment in the game.
“It changed the dynamics and they had a lot of really good attacking players on the pitch.
“I still thought we had come through the worst of it and the
goal at the end is avoidable for us. We shouldn’t give away the foul and then we should make a better clearance.
“That’s the fine margins I speak about a lot. Unfortunately we come out on the wrong side of it but I’m proud of what we produced today.
“What I would say is, if the one in the second half is a penalty, the one in the first half for us is also a penalty.
“The rule is frustrating because I don’t think referees enjoy giving the one against McGinn – he has his hands by his side. But I think Sean Mackie’s shot is blocked by an arm earlier.”
Ross hailed the form of Israeli keeper Ofir Marciano, who produced a man of the match display, but hinted that Nisbet may now be off penalty duty after missing his last two.
Thankfully for Hibs, Murphy scored the rebound yesterday, but Ross said: “I think Kevin is claiming an assist.
“He wanted to take it again and I was OK with that – but I think we’ll have a wee rethink now.
“Jamie’s finish is excellent and the great thing for Kevin is obviously that he goes on later in the game to get a goal as well.
“Ofir was very good for us today but he’s been very good for us all season.”