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Ben Banks

Three things we spotted as Hibs signing impresses and Aiden McGeady debuts in Hartlepool win

Hibs started their pre-season friendly schedule with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Hartlepool United at their warm weather training base in Portugal.

Two separate starting XI's were fielded over 45 minutes, with the 90 minute game played over three 30 minutes halves in soaring temperatures abroad. The Hibees always looked the more dominant team and opened the scoring through Ewan Henderson during the first 45.

A new set of players entered the field to double their lead, a Joe Newell corner meeting the head of Ryan Porteous, who was able to guide his effort into the English League Two club's net. Elias Melkersen also had one in the net but it was ruled out for offside, with Hartlepool pinned back on the edge of their own box. Lee Johnson's men are preparing for the new Premiership season, which will be their first under the former Sunderland gaffer after his appointment in May.

Next up for Hibs is a friendly with League One club Burton Albion on Friday before returning to Scotland ahead of their first Premier Sports Cup fixture against Clyde next month.

Here are three things we spotted.

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READ MORE: What Martin Boyle said about Hibs transfer return as Saudi Arabia future in doubt

New signings get going

It's been a busy summer at Easter Road and they've made no fewer than nine new additions; Elie Youan, David Marshall, Nohan Kenneh, Rocky Bushiri, Lewis Miller, Momodou Bojang, Jair Tavares, Kyle McClelland and Aiden McGeady.

All of them with the exception of Bojang got a run out in Portugal as they got minutes into their legs.

Miller impressed in defence after his arrival from Central Coast Mariners while forward Elie Youan showed his blistering pace in attack. Former Celtic winger McGeady is arguably the most well known addition and showed some flashes of what he can offer at 36, even if he's lacking in match sharpness.

Attacking tempo

Johnson arrives in Edinburgh with the reputation of being a manager who plays an attacking style and gets his teams on the front foot.

His 4-2-3-1 system played in both halves certainly pointed to that as Hartlepool - fielding SPFL regulars like Jake Hastie and Euan Murray - hardly got a touch of the ball.

Playing like this in a competitive match regularly would certainly get fans off their seats.

Depth options

(SNS Group)

One thing that appeared to plague Hibs last season was a lack of options to turn to if things weren't going right.

Martin Boyle's exit in January left them short in attack for the rest of the campaign while injuries led to a scattergun transfer approach in January, with new signings having to adapt at a time where results are needed.

Hibs fielded two XI's here and looked at similar strength in both halves, which is a positive, considering Paul Hanlon, Kevin Nisbet, Kyle Magennis and Demtri Mitchell are still to return from injury.

READ NEXT:

- Darren McGregor opens up on his new Hibs Development squad player/coach role

- Hibs star Lewis Stevenson targets Europe, cup finals and wins over Hearts, Rangers and Celtic

- Aiden McGeady confirms Hibs transfer as Lee Johnson hails three key reasons behind signing former Celtic winger

- Hibs boss Lee Johnson urges patience with Jair Tavares as he reveals interest goes back YEARS

- Hibs confirm latest summer transfer as 'very versatile' Elie Youan makes Easter Road move

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