David Gray hails Hibernian ‘character’ after victory over Ross County

Boss David Gray was overjoyed with Hibernian’s 3-1 win over Ross County as his side moved off the bottom and into eighth in the Scottish Premiership.

It has been a testing maiden season in management for the Hibs legend with the Edinburgh side languishing at the foot of the table and it looked highly unlikely that would change after a dismal first half.

But Dwight Gayle equalised on the stroke of half-time, cancelling out Eli Campbell’s opener, before Elie Youan and Josh Campbell secured the win after the break to leave Gray delighted.

Gray said: “We knew with three points today we could go above Ross County, who were sitting eighth – that was the focus.

“Credit to Ross County, they started the game far better than us. There was maybe a wee bit of nerves, maybe a bit of anxiety around some players potentially, but we definitely didn’t start the game as well as I’d like.

“They scored the goal and then we relied on a goalkeeper to make a couple of saves at the start of the game.

“But then I thought once we did settle down a little bit, the goal for us comes at a real key time. So to go in 1-1 at half-time was a massive moment in the game.

“In the second half, I thought we were miles better. A lot more on the front foot, created a lot more chances, missed a few key chances again.

“But the reaction from the players to go behind to get themselves back in front was excellent.

“The one thing they’ve always been questioned about this year, and rightly so because the points we’ve dropped at times, was the character.

“Ross County threw absolutely everything at us towards the end and I thought we stood up to it really well, defended the box really well.

“We’ve played miles better and lost points but the character was definitely tested and the big thing today was the result, so I’m delighted for the players on that front.”

Ross County are now 25 games without a win on the road in the Scottish Premiership but boss Don Cowie believes it’s a matter of time until their luck turns.

He said: “I believe that’s easily the best we’ve played away from home.

“In terms of game plan, in terms of executing it, the first half was excellent. I thought we came again and had a lot of pressure late in the game as we chased an equaliser.

“It didn’t quite drop for us but what I do believe is if we keep playing like that, especially away from home, the victory will come.”