Jack Ross believes his Hibs players can “smell” success this season and it’s showing in the way they’re playing.
The Hibees won their fourth game on the spin by beating Hamilton 2-0 at Easter Road on Saturday and maintained their four point gap over Aberdeen in the race for European qualification.
Hibs are seeking a first third place finish in the Premiership for the first time in 16 years, and it’s even more important this season given the increased European involvement next season and the financial rewards that brings.
It’s quite the carrot to have as the season approaches it’s final three months, and Ross is sure it’s inspiring his players to greater levels of performance.
“We’re in a good place at the moment and I’m pleased with the results we’re producing,” he said.
‘To win four consecutive games in the Premiership, five out of six and the number of clean sheets we’ve got puts us in a good place.
“The players smell that opportunity for success and I think they’re showing that with their performance levels.”
A major factor that’s helped Hibs get to where they are has been a rock solid defence.
The Hibees have conceded just 26 goals in 29 fixtures this season, keeping 12 clean sheets in the process. Only Rangers and Celtic have conceded fewer league goals, with Hibs also being the division's third highest scorers.
That perhaps illustrates why a £1million bid for defender Ryan Porteous was rejected in January, but also highlights the importance of persuading Ofir Marciano to sign a new contract.
While Kevin Nisbet’s goals at the top end of the pitch proved crucial early in the season, keeping the back door shut between now and May will be key if Hibs want to achieve their objectives and dig out the passports next season.
Ross told Hibs TV: “When you look at our record over the course of the season, that is a very good one. If we continue in that manner then we’ll have a very good total of clean sheets at the end of the season, and you need it to finish in the area of the table that we want to."
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