David Gray names two real plus points of Hibs’ Scottish Cup win over Clydebank

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Hibs are in the hat for round five of the Scottish Cup, which is all that really matters.

They also managed to achieve it without much fuss as the West of Scotland League leaders put up a good fight but lost 3-0 at Easter Road.

Any nerves were put to bed as Martin Boyle opened the scoring after just two minutes and the home side scored early in the second half too, through Rudi Molotnikov after his recent new Hibees deal.

Boyle put things to bed with his second on 59 minutes as he kept up his fine goalscoring form.

It gives the Hibees the chance of a cup run to go along with their improved league form and outside chance of pushing for third, with looked a near impossibility a matter of weeks ago.

Manager David Gray was with pleased with his side’s efforts and also gave credit to their non-league opposition for showing fight and staying in the game despite an early concession.

• READ MORE: David Gray addresses Josef Bursik’s immediate Hibs future after demotion

Kieron Bowie returns for Hibs

It wasn’t just the result and progression in the cup that delighted him though.

Gray was able to field Kieron Bowie as a substitute after months out with a hamstring injury, and that bolsters his attacking options for the weeks ahead.

Bowie was a summer signing from Fulham and robbed of the chance to hit his stride with the injury striking weeks into the season.

So his return is a big plus and Gray said: “Just with Kieran, I mean, it’s been a long slog for him to get back, but something like today, or just giving him that wee extra boost to keep going as well? 100 per cent.

“I think that’s something that, I think I mentioned the other day, when you’ve had a long-term injury, and he’s had a couple in recent years, so that he had to really keep battling and working really hard in the gym to make sure he can get himself back. 

“And I think days like today is why you go through all the pain you go through in the gym and all the hard work you go through to get back on the pitch. So it’s great to see him back out there.

“And he’s still got a long way to go, he knows that. He’s got a lot of work to do still. But at least now he feels that there’s a bit of light at the end of the tunnel for him, and he’s back involved and affecting games now, which will be great.”

Lewis Gillie Hibs debut

Teenager Molotnikov has been showing promise for Hibs this season and discussed the pathway that is their for him and other young players.

And they were able to hand a debut to another youngster, Lewis Gillie, yesterday.

The 16-year-old is a centre-back and replaced Kwon for the final 18 minutes of yesterday’s cup match, another factor on the day which raised the manager’s spirits.

He said: “Yeah, he’s someone that, he’s got his opportunity, which is great. He’s joined in training with us quite a few times. He’s just a really good athlete. He’s really good going forward. A real strong, powerful boy for his age. 

“Left-sided. And even when you see him when he comes on today, every time he’s came in training with the first team, he’s never really looked like he’s nervous or playing within himself.

“He just comes over and does what he does, which I really like about him. He’s got a really good attitude. 

“Obviously, he’s got a lot of work to do still. We know that. He’s still a very young boy. But today will give him a lot of confidence, but also give the academy confidence and a real boost for them as well.

“Because we want to bring young players through as often as we can, which is great. And it gives the rest of the young boys a look in from the outside to say, I want that to be me, if we can get that opportunity. So, it’s great for everyone involved today.