Jack Ross insists Hibs were never trying to chase Scott Allan out of the door at Easter Road after he offered a reminder of his quality in the draw against St Mirren.
The midfielder was used as a makeweight in the club's transfer window bid for Buddies ace Jamie McGrath, along with Drey Wright.
But he reminded gaffer Ross exactly why he's worth keeping at Easter Road with a classy show in the 2-2 draw against the Buddies.
Allan showed what he's capable of here after coming off the bench with his side a goal down.
His stunning pass set up a Paul McGinn volley to cancel out Eamonn Brophy's opener before Martin Boyle's penalty put them in front.
Joe Shaughnessy's late equaliser earned Saints a deserved point - but Allan's contribution was so pleasing on the eye.
Afterwards, Ross praised the playmaker and challenged him to become a regular again in Hibs' starting line-up.
He said: “With Scott's pass for the goal, it's about both the vision and execution. And that is never in doubt with Scott.
“He knows that's the special thing he has – and we know it too.
“We knew we needed that from him in the game. But you have to produce it and he did today.
“My opinion of Scott hasn't changed. He wasn't someone we were pushing to get out the door.
“There was a potential opportunity for him and he wants to play.
“It's difficult to build a run of games for him. That's what he has to work towards.
“That sharpness of thought is there and today he showed he's still an asset within the squad.
“It was good for him psychologically to have that impact on the game.”
