Dyer backing for disaster debut keeper
Alex Dyer is adamant Jake Eastwood’s nightmare debut for Kilmarnock will be a learning curve for the keeper.
The 23-year-old succumbed to a “rush of blood” to gift Hibs the lead at Easter Road, haring from his goalmouth and allowing Martin Boyle to skip around him and slot into the net.
Boyle notched his brace before the break and Eastwood did not emerge for the second half after being replaced by fellow new arrival Danny Rogers.
However, Dyer has dismissed claims that he hooked the Sheffield United loan star, instead confirming that he suffered a slight quad issue and had to be withdrawn.
“I was disappointed with the manner of the two goals we lost,” rued the Rugby Park gaffer. “The first one was a complete rush of blood from the young goalkeeper Eastwood. It was a mistake but he is a good keeper and he will learn.
“That was not the reason I took him off at half-time. He had a problem with his quad and we will have to get it assessed.”
“If he had been fully fit then he would have stayed on the pitch.”
A Chris Burke wonder goal had given Kilmarnock hope of rescuing an unlikely point in Edinburgh.
Indeed, in a much-improved second 45 minutes, Killie forced the hosts to defend resolutely.
Burke also stung the palm of the Israeli internationalist with another free-kick from distance, while substitute Danny Whitehall headed narrowly over the crossbar in the closing stage.
The gallant rally from his charges has given Dyer solace after the reverse.
“There were a lot of positives to take from the match despite the result,” he continued. “I thought we showed a lot of spirit after going behind and I thought we controlled the game for long spells.
“We just need to stop making life hard for ourselves by conceding sloppy goals.”
Dyer also reserved praise for ex-Scotland internationalist Burke’s early contender for goal of the season.
The ferocious drive beat Marciano from all of 30 yards, nestling in the top corner.
He added “The goal was something special and another reason I am encouraged by the whole performance.”