Gray On Fresh Additions & Injury Updates
Ahead of Wednesday's league fixture against Dundee United, Hibernian Head Coach David Gray revealed his delight with the business conducted by the Club in the January transfer window.
Welcomed in by the existing First Team group, the six new signings have already brought a 'freshness' to the team that hopes to kick on heading into the latter stages of the campaign.
Gray had hoped to end the transfer window with the squad in a better position than when January began, and now challenges his squad to prove that is the case where it matters: on the pitch.
"I'm delighted to have brought the three boys in [on Deadline Day], they add to the squad," he told Hibs TV. "It might seem like we've done all our work at the very end, but it has been something that has been ongoing throughout the whole window.
"I think already they've added that freshness. They have all trained. Five have gone our, six have came in; the challenge, as I've already said, is can we finish the window stronger than how we started it and hopefully that is the case. We need to go back that up on the pitch.
"Seeing the atmosphere around the place, that is what new players can bring in terms of that freshness. That is credit to the current group as well, as they are a very good group of boys who are very welcoming and helping new players to settle in.
"You immediately seen what happened at the weekend when [Kai Andrews, Owen Elding and Dane Scarlett] came into the game, they had only been in the building 24 hours. They got their opportunity and really added energy to the game.
"And in training, all the new boys have gave everybody a lift. This is the group now that is going to end the season, and I think we need to make sure we give ourselves the best chance to finish the season as high as we can and I am happy with where we are."
"It was much more like us in the Rangers game. A slight disappointment that we did not win the game because of the chances we created. But it was much more like us in terms of where we need to be and the standards that we have set this season. If we can build on that, it gives us the best chance of three points tomorrow night."
In regards to team news, Gray gave an update on the seven players who were notable doubts heading into the match.
"Miguel [Chaiwa] came off early in the game against Rangers. He was hit in the face with the ball. Thankfully it was not a concussion. He has trained. It was more to do with vision than anything else, but the medics have cleared him - which is positive.
"Jamie [McGrath] missed the game. In the build-up to the game, he overstretched in training. A groin-hip injury. He won't be available.
"Grant Hanley came off with a hamstring issue. We have not got the full extent of that just yet. He's feeling positive about it, which is always a good thing, but we do not know the full extent of it yet. He will not be available. Josh Mulligan, Warren O'Hora and Chris Cadden are also all still out.
"Josh Campbell trained again today. He trained Saturday and came through that, but it was too soon for him to be involved [versus Rangers]. He is another one who is available."