Are record-equalling Hibs Scotland's third force?

Hibernian hammered Dundee 4-0 to equal a club-record league unbeaten run

On a Saturday night in late November, as the rain teemed down at Dens Park, Hibernian players trooped off the pitch reeling from a 4-1 annihilation that kept them anchored to the foot of the Scottish Premiership.

They had taken an early lead, then capitulated. Jordan Obita was sent off. Elie Youan, infamously, performed keepy-ups on his own while David Gray reorganised his depleted team. Goalkeeper Josef Bursik dallied in possession and had his pocket picked for a calamitous goal.

Hibs hadn't just hit rock bottom, they'd gone practically subterranean.

Back then, in a time of slapstick defending, frequent red cards and constant late concessions, it already felt like Gray's job dangled by a thread.

The rookie head coach had won one of his first 13 league games at the helm. Had Hibs not rattled through managers so prolifically of late, and had Gray not been a cup-winning club totem, the owners might have pulled the trigger.

Wind the clock on five months and the striking contrast would have quantum physicists scratching their heads.

On Sunday afternoon, Hibs obliterated Dundee 4-0, equalling a club record unbeaten run that has stood for nearly 80 years and strengthening their grip on third place.

Relegation fears, thoughts of sackings and proclamations of doom have given way to euphoria, feelgood and passport hunting in anticipation of a European adventure.

With Hibs, it's seldom dull. But seldom quite this bonkers.

On the brink of history - again

The Hibs team that set the record 17-game unbeaten benchmark in 1948 were crowned league champions. They lost the Scottish Cup final 1-0 to Rangers before a crowd of close to 150,000 at Hampden.

This was Hibs' 'Famous Five' forward line in its embryonic years, the men enshrined in club history, who delivered European giant-slayings, silverware and lore, and after whom one of the four Easter Road stands has been named.

Alongside these legends, Gray's squad are the unlikeliest of heroes. It's almost laughable to compare them.

Yet, avoid defeat in their first post-split fixture, and this group will have eclipsed the feats of the Five - and from the gravest of beginnings.

Bowie's brilliance and the ballad of Bushiri

There were two particularly compelling elements to Sunday's Dundee demolition.

The resurgence of Rocky Bushiri is Hibs' turnaround in microcosm. The hulking defender was seldom used and seemingly unfancied at the start of the season. He was widely reckoned error-prone and plenty supporters would have gladly seen him moved on.

Once again, though, Bushiri's name pealed around Easter Road as the DR Congo international cutely volleyed home the opener from a Martin Boyle corner.

Since Hibs changed shape, Bushiri has matured into his role as the central pivot of a defensive back-three. Quick, strong and increasingly assured in possession, he has now contributed four goals, including late levellers against Aberdeen and Rangers, and a Scottish Cup winner at Ayr United while defending resolutely against the best teams in the division.

He has earned cult hero status in Leith and performed so impressively that the team who hardly picked him six months ago might now struggle to retain him when his contract expires in the summer.

At the other end of the park, Kieron Bowie stole the show. Two predatory finishes offered more tantalising flashes of what the 22-year-old Scotland hopeful can deliver when fully fit.

Bowie's season was ravaged by a serious hamstring injury on international duty and Gray has been careful to manage his minutes since.

He looks tailor-made for the Scottish game, though. A power athlete and ruthless marksman, he combines his physical stature with beguiling technical class.

The marquee signing on a long-term deal from Fulham, he'll be a weapon for Hibs post-split and well beyond.

What about the other contenders?

The goal rush in Leith strengthened Hibs' grip on third and the promise of guaranteed European group stage football it carries.

It also bolstered an already formidable goal difference, which sits 12 and 17 above nearest challengers Dundee United and Aberdeen respectively.

Aberdeen's sickening late blow against Rangers - conceding in the 96th minute to draw 2-2, having been two up against 10 men - allowed Hibs to open up a three-point gap above their two prime rivals.

They are set to travel to Pittodrie and welcome United to Easter Road. They should also face a trip to Celtic, and home matches against Rangers and St Mirren - now the only side Hibs have failed to beat this season.

The shootout for third may be alive to the very last matchday, but right now, it's Hibs who are the team to stop.