Cup hero left frustrated at lack of game time at Hibs
REGARDLESS of how t he remainder of David Gray’s Hibernian career works out, the club’s supporters will always hold him in the highest esteem.
A historic winning goal against Rangers in the 2016 Scottish Cup final – ending a 114-year club drought in the competition – has ensured the full-back, who has affectionately been bestowed with the prefix “Sir” by fans, has the freedom of Easter Road for the rest of his life.
However, that adulation alone is not enough to suppress Gray’s current frustrations at becoming a fringe player under head coach Jack Ross. Gray has only managed 10 minutes of Premiership action this season in a total of four outings. Last term he featured just six times.
Even the security of another two years on his deal might not be enough to convince the 32-year-old, who could feature in today’s Scottish Cup last-16 clash at Stranraer, to hang around.
“I don’t know,” responded Gray, when asked if he considered that his time at Hibs was coming to an end. “I’ve had individual chats with the manager and my family. It’s frustrating, I want to be playing. I’m not happy to sit and not play.
“I think that’s one thing I don’t think any player should be happy to just accept. ‘Oh, I’ve still got a year or so left on my contract, I’ll just be happy and down tools’. I’m definitely not like that. I’m still fit, I’m still contributing and I’m desperate for that opportunity.
“In terms of game time it has been frustrating for myself, you want to play as often as you can. The motivation I’ve got is to wait for my opportunity and try and stay as fit as I possibly can so when I’m called on I can step in and do a job.”