Ryan Gauld scored for the Hibs Development Squad in their 5-0 win over Ross County as he continued his comeback from injury.
The midfielder, on loan from Sporting CP, hasn’t featured since the 2-0 defeat at Celtic Park at the beginning for February.
Manager Paul Heckingbottom is keen to get a proper look at the former Dundee Utd prodigy, but was at pains to stress that Gauld wouldn’t be rushed back and that the porcess would take as long as it takes.
He lasted an hour of the second string match at Oriam, making it 3-0 to the hosts after just half an hour.
Striker Lewis Allan gave Hibs an early lead after turning home Callum Donaldson’s cross from around ten yards out.
It was 2-0 just six minutes later when Fraser Murray jinked his way past several challenges before picking out Ryan Shanley on the edge of the box, who finished well to double the advantage.
Gauld then struck almost immediately after, sending the ball high in to the net after being set up by Ben Stirling.
There was also a first outing for recent arrival Jonathan Spector. The American defender produced an excellent goal-line clearance at 0-0 before being replaced on 67 minutes.
Innes Murray increased the goal deficit late on. First he met Jamie Gullan's cross at the back post, sending it back across goal and in before thumping home a powerful fifth with five minutes remianing.
Hibs: Martin, Stirling, Donaldson, Spector, Sadiki, Bartley, I.Murray, Gauld, Allan, Shanley, F.Murray. Subs: Combe, Paton, Campbell, Block, Waugh, Gullan
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