Hibernian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter at Easter Road

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"Inconsistent" Martin Boyle "can't shy away from high expectations" as he enters the final year of his contract with Hibernian.

Boyle has five goals and five assists in 10 games this season, though he admits he has been "a bit inconsistent" of late.

The 31-year-old came off the bench to score his 100th goal in Scottish league football in Hibs' much-needed win against St Johnstone on Saturday but said that is "part and parcel" of his role in the team.

"It's nice to come on and make an impact," he told BBC Scotland. "I always enjoy scoring goals and helping the team get three points, and we needed it.

"It will give the place a lift and the manager as well so we can take that confidence and bring that winning mentality back."

Boyle, as one of the senior and more successful players in the squad, is sometimes on the end of criticism from the stands, but it's something the Australia international can handle.

"I've been a bit inconsistent and I'm just trying to maintain my goals and assists, that’s part and parcel of what I do," he added.

"The criticism can be anything it wants. I'm an established player now and the expectations on me are really high and I can't shy away from that.

"The fans pay their money and are entitled to their opinion but as long as I keep giving 100% and show them what this club means to me then hopefully I can keep producing."

The question is, will he keep performing for the Easter Road club beyond the summer? Boyle's contract runs out at the end of the season, but he isn't rushing into any conversations.

"I just want to keep maintaining that form for Hibs and when that conversation has to happen, then it will come," he added.

"It's a bit early in the season just now for that but things are going well just now and we will see what happens."

Kanayo Megwa's move to Partick Thistle on loan makes "complete sense," says head coach David Gray.

The defender, who signed a new four-year deal with the Easter Road club last month, spent last season on loan in the Scottish Championship with Airdrieonians.

The 20-year-old joined the Hibernian academy in 2021 and made his first team debut last August, after playing in Dubai as a teenager.

His loan move back to the second tier in Scottish football will provide him with regular first-team football according to Gray.

"Due to the competition for places at right-back, this loan move makes complete sense for Kanayo as it allows him to gain regular senior football at a competitive level," Gray told club media.

"He’s someone we’re really fond of and he needs regular game time to keep developing. We’ve seen a positive change in him after each loan spell he’s been on, and I’m sure this will be another that hugely benefits him."

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A wrist operation means Hibernian winger Martin Boyle, 31, will miss their next match, away to Rangers on 28 September. (Scotsman - subscription, external)

Hibs head coach David Gray sees improvement in forward Myko Kuharevich from his previous loan spell from Swansea City. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription, external)

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish gossip.

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Hibs' first win of the league season was "massive" for David Gray and will ease some of the pressure on the head coach, says former midfielder Andrew Shinnie.

Hibs had lost two and drawn two of their opening four league matches, but Shinnie expects them to push past their early-season troubles after beating St Johnstone 2-0.

"That was massive, everyone was looking at that thinking it was a must win for Hibs, which makes it a difficult game," said Shinnie on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"I've played at Easter Road and it's a very demanding atmosphere at times, especially the way they are at the minute.

"Probably some of the players wouldn't have been massively looking forward to the game, home to St Johnstone, they needed the three points and they got a good 2-0 victory.

"There wasn't much in the game in the first-half, but that goal right on half-time was absolutely massive, that changed the momentum of the game and they came out in the second-half and were much stronger and got a comfortable win.

"I was really happy for David, he needed the win and he's got it and I think they'll kick on now and they'll be a decent side this year."

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Hibs picked up a tension-easing win over St Johnstone on Saturday, and have Martin Boyle in my Team of the Week.

Boyle and Junior Hoilett made a huge difference when they came off the bench to help David Gray's side to their first league win of the season.

The Australian just gets the nod over Hoilett due to his goal.

We asked for your views on Hibs' 2-0 win against St Johnstone.

Here's what some of you said:

Billy: The standard in the first half was dreadful. St Johnstone are awful. Hibs upped it in the second half. Martin Boyle’s finish was quality and Junior Hoilett is a class act.

Colin: A win, three points and a clean sheet is what we wanted. Had better width and penetration in the second half which saw us create more chances. There’s still work to do defensively and offensively but we're moving in the right direction. Hopefully this result will build much needed confidence.

Matt: We are a team which just needs a sprinkle of quality to get us going. Hoilett looks to be that missing ingredient, in addition to Boyle looking more like his old self. Good three points, but against a very poor St Johnstone in all honesty.

Scott: Dire first half, the second was much better with the introduction of Junior and Boyle. Kieron Bowie out is a big blow, the captain Joe Newell was missing today for some reason. We must build on this result.

Glen: Hibs were not good but St Johnstone gave them the lead at half time then shrunk back to allow Hibs a second. Desperate for Saints, poor tactical response to going behind.

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• St Johnstone have lost their last three games in the Premiership - closing in on the four-game losing streak total they suffered towards the end of last season.

• Warren O'Hora attempted 58 passes in this game - the most by a Hibs player in the Premiership this season.

• St Johnstone attempted five shots in this game, their lowest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

Hibernian grabbed their first Scottish Premiership win of the season at the fifth attempt by defeating St Johnstone at Easter Road.

Mykola Kuharevich's close-range goal capped a tepid first half, Hibs finding the crucial breakthrough in stoppage time.

The Ukranian striker got a faint touch to Marvin Ekpiteta's header across goal after Nicky Cadden's deep free kick caught St Johnstone flat-footed.

It laid the platform for a more encouraging second half for Hibs and they got a further reward when Chris Cadden slipped in Martin Boyle, who sent a beautiful dink beyond goalkeeper Ross Sinclair to seal a crucial win.

Craig Levein's side did not threaten the Hibs goal enough when they were on top, with speculative efforts from Matt Smith and Nicky Clark as close as they came.

And when they switched off at a set piece it sparked a decline which ended in a fourth straight Premiership defeat, which was made worse when Benjamin Kimpioka was sent off in the 90th minute for a lunge on Jordan Obita.

Were you at Easter Road or following the match from home? Either way, we want your views on the game.

Hibs fans – have your say here, external. St Johnstone fans, share your views here.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "I'm delighted with the three points. We've seen progression in the games we've played and I'm seeing it in training. It's up to the players to show it on the pitch and especially second half we did that.

"I'm in a position now where if everyone is fully fit it's difficult to select an eleven. We have good strength in depth and something we've worked hard to bring in.

"But I said to the players before the game the starting 11 rarely finish the game and the subs come on and try to make an impact.

"They certainly did that today they came on and made us better which is what we want them to do.

"Where we want to get to and where we need to be these are the games we need to win. We know it's hard to win games and we've seen that already.

"But what I'm focussed on is the next game and the progression so far. That's us unbeaten in three and we have an opportunity to build now and take the momentum into the next game.

"I'll sleep tonight for a change, which is good."

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Thomas Duncan, BBC Sport Scotland

After failing to win their first four league games for the first time since 2002 Hibs and rookie head coach David Gray just needed a win, especially in front of their own fans.

After another first half which failed to inspire, Mykola Kuharevich's timely intervention and the subsequent introductions of Junior Hoilett and Martin Boyle changed the game.

Boyle added energy and pace, which was so effective for the second goal as he burst in behind before producing a composed finish.

Hoilett, who made his debut as a half-time replacement, does not have the pace of old but his dribbling ability is excellent.

His footwork and use of his body to deceive players opens up space for himself and others to cause problems and he was a handful for St Johnstone.

There is plenty to work on for Gray as he tries to get this side to play consistently over 90 minutes and develop a more pronounced game plan.

But getting the first win with a much better attacking performance gives him much-needed breathing space.

David Gray makes three changes to his Hibs side from the draw with Kilmarnock.

Captain Joe Newell is absent from the squad, while Lewis Miller and Martin Boyle drop to the bench after the duo arrived home from international duty with Australia.

In come Nicky and Chris Cadden, who start together for the first time, and forward Elie Youan makes his first league start of the season.

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Hibs forward Kieron Bowie is facing a minimum of four months out with a hamstring injury he suffered while playing for Scotland Under-21s, but new striker Dwight Gayle could be involved and Elie Youan and Junior Hoilett are back in contention.

Lewis Miller is expected to be fit after a minor knee issue, but Jake Doyle-Hayes is still working his way back to full fitness.

St Johnstone pair Adama Sidibeh and Jack Sanders are suspended. Fran Franczak has picked up an ankle injury and is set to miss out, while Uche Ikpeazu (knee) and Sam McClelland (Achilles) are still absent.

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Hibs head coach David Gray insists Dwight Gayle has not been signed as a reaction to losing Kieron Bowie to injury for four months.

Striker Gayle, 34, arrived on at Easter Road a 12-month contract on Thursday to become Gray's 12th new recruit.

"No, but I understand why people would think that," Gray said.

"Dwight's someone we've been monitoring for a while - I think that actually got leaked at one point - but he's someone we've brought in for obvious reasons.

"His quality, his experience, I know a few players who have played with him and they speak so highly of him. He showed an interest in coming to Scotland we were delighted to get it done. It's a real positive one for us."

Gray's squad now boasts seven forwards and he added: "It’s something we’ve worked really hard on, strength in depth. We talked about competition for places and we’ve certainly got that now.

"It’s a good headache for me to have if everyone is fit and flying."

Junior Hoilett is fit and in contention for a debut against St Johnstone on Saturday, while Eli Youan could make his first league appearance of the season.

Former Newcastle striker Gayle struggled with injury during a short spell with Derby last season but is confident he can do a job for Hibs.

"I hope so," he said. "This is an opportunity for me to prove to people that I can still do it. I believe I still can but only time will tell."

"I've been fit since the end of the season and I've managed to stay fit. I've been building myself up for this moment. I'm not sure if I'm going to be involved this weekend but I feel ready."

We asked for your views on former Newcastle and Crystal Palace forward Dwight Gayle's move to Hibs on a one-year deal.

Here's what some of you said:

Huey: Very excited about this signing, it adds the competition up top that we need. Three quality strikers, we just need to stop making mistakes at the back and I'm sure the results will start to come.

Ian: It will take time for the players to gel but we've been better the last two performances. Kieron Bowie will be good when fit and hopefully Gayle will get a few goals.

George: Great signing, class player even at 34, he will score goals.

Graeme: On paper, a very decent signing, although football isn't played on paper!

Liam: This could be either okay or very, very bad. I'm thinking the latter, hope he proves me wrong.

Kenny: Sounds as if we are getting a player who won't manage to play many games. Once a player gets a problem with a hamstring it takes ages to heal. Hope I'm wrong but wouldn't it be better getting a young centre forward in that's hungry to prove himself?

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Dwight Gayle says talks with Hibernian captain Joe Newell played a big part in the striker joining the club.

Newell and Gayle both played with each other at Peterborough over a decade ago and have kept in contact since.

The veteran striker, who has penned a one-year deal at Easter Road, said: "Joe was probably the person I spoke to most.

"We spoke most days about [the move], he was helping push it with the gaffer and he had a lot of good things to say.

"That was a big reason for it happening. I know quite a bit about Scottish football because I’ve followed a lot of Joe's career since he's been here.

"Something that interested me was how big a club it is and it's a new experience for myself playing in Scotland, it was ticking all the boxes."

Gayle was a free agent before making the move to Leith following his release from Derby at the end of last season.

At the age of 34, the forward insists fans can still expect to see a hard-working attitude.

And with his experience, Gayle also hopes to inspire others in the team.

"What [the fans] might not see is the way I'm going to be around the dressing room," he added.

"How I'm going to try to get everyone improving and working harder in a nice environment for us to do well as a team."

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• Hibs won their most recent Scottish Premiership meeting with St Johnstone in April last season (3-1) but haven't won back-to-back top-flight matches against the Perth side since July 2022.

• St Johnstone have won two of their last three away games against Hibs in the Scottish Premiership (L1), more victories than they managed across their prior six such meetings.

• Hibs have drawn their last two league games despite leading in both; indeed, no side has dropped more points from winning positions in the Scottish Premiership this season than Hibs (four, level with Dundee United).

• Each of St Johnstone's last five league wins have come away from home, including their only victory this term (3-0 v Kilmarnock).

• Hibs have accumulated just 3.01 xG this season in the Scottish Premiership – the lowest figure of any team.

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Dwight Gayle "has the desire to test himself in Scottish football" at the age of 34, says Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay.

The veteran striker joins the Easter Road side as a free agent after leaving Derby County at the end of last season.

He scored 34 goals in 122 games for Newcastle and 25 in 74 for Crystal Palace, many of which were at Premier League level.

But a hamstring injury after a February switch to Pride Park earlier this year meant he only featured six times for the club, scoring three League One goals.

The former Stoke forward becomes Hibs boss David Gray's 12th first-team signing.

"We were aware of Dwight's availability and we're delighted he has the desire to test himself in Scottish football," Mackay added.

"He's another good character to add to the group and his experience will really benefit our young players."

Hibs fans, what do you make of the signing? Send us your thoughts here, external...

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Kevin Clancy was right not to award Celtic a penalty against Hibernian in the Glasgow side's recent Scottish League Cup victory, Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum has concluded.

Collum highlighted eight controversial incidents in The VAR Review, a new monthly show on the Scottish FA's YouTube channel, saying he was "content with the start we've made".

However, he concluded that Celtic should have been awarded a penalty in their 4-0 win over Kilmarnock, while Dundee United ought to have had a spot-kick for hand ball in their 2-2 draw with Dundee - both on the opening Premiership weekend.

Celtic 3-1 Hibernian - 18 August

Celtic eased aside Hibs 3-1 to reach the League Cup quarter-finals but felt they should have had a spot kick when winger James Forrest was sandwiched between two visiting defenders.

However, Collum concluded that, although there was a coming together of upper bodies, referee Clancy and VAR officials were correct to say there was "not enough contact for a penalty kick" from centre-back Marvin Ekpiteta.

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Former defender and current coach Darren McGregor has been awarded a testimonial year at Hibernian.

McGregor, who is now head coach of the Under-18s, made 188 Hibs appearances and played a pivotal part in his boyhood club's historic Scottish Cup win and 2016 and promotion back to the Premiership the following year.

He called time on his career, which included spells at St Mirren and Rangers, at the end of the 2022-23 season but has remained an ever present around Easter Road and the Hibs training centre.

He has been awarded this honour for what the club cite as "outstanding service" and his celebrations will include a Ladies Day and a Comedy Day.

A hamstring injury to Hibernian's Kieron Bowie was "the only dampener to the night" for Scotland Under-21 head coach Scot Gemmill after Tuesday's 5-0 win over Malta. (Sun)

Read Wednesday's Scottish gossip