DON'T know why I was worrying about the injury picked up by Martin Boyle. He has been outstanding this season in his wide role and his link-up play with Simon Murray was immense.
The team managed fine last week without him but we need him back, against Rangers we started slowly but the team settled after a piece of brilliance by Simon Murray. After we scored and even before the sending off we were the better team, we dominated midfield, Slivka was class and his goal was a bit special. John McGinn was something else though, he was a class apart, his level of play has raised since last season and it’s no surprise that Hibernian have put a £5m tag on him.
This Saturday it’s Hamilton and the fans will be looking for a bit of payback, Hamilton relegated us three seasons ago but looking at it now those three seasons were probably the best thing that happened to us. It’s given us time to restructure the club from top to bottom, I don’t know much about Hamilton but I do know if Hibernian turn up with the right attitude we should score goals. I keep saying it but Hibernian have the second best squad in Scotland and probably the most balanced squad in Scotland.
So after the news that Martin Boyle will be out for 4-6 weeks Neil Lennon brings in Brandon Barker on loan from Man City. I must admit I didn’t know who Brando Barker is so it was a few phone calls to my Manchester contacts who inform me Hibernian have signed a right player, strong on the ball, not afraid to get stuck in, skilful on the ball, good close control and has an eye for goal, they told me he will destroy defences in Scotland.
The Rangers game means nothing if we don’t beat Hamilton.
Johnb's Tips
- Hibs to score 3+ (23-10, Betfair)
- Simon Murray to score (7-5, Paddy Power)
- Vykintas Slivka to score (8-1, Paddy Power)
