Nectarios Triantis hoping to flourish under David Gray after making Hibs return

Nectarios Triantis was sold on a return to Hibernian by the chance to continue developing under head coach David Gray.

The Australian has re-joined Hibs on a season-long loan deal after making 14 appearances for the club in the second half of last term.

The Sunderland player started off at centre-back under his former Central Coast Mariners boss Nick Montgomery at Hibs but Gray deployed him as a defensive midfielder during his caretaker spell and sees the 21-year-old playing in that position again.

Gray said: “Nectar is someone I see as a defensive midfielder who has also played a lot at centre-back, which naturally gives him a strong defensive mindset and discipline to dominate the middle of the pitch.”

The player added: “I really enjoyed his honesty, in terms of where he sees me, and his vision of me as a player. It aligned with my thoughts and helped me make my decision quickly.

“Having that backing from the manager and him giving the freedom to play in that position is the best thing about it. I think I can flourish in that position this year.

“You could see towards the end of last season, I really excelled when I was playing as a six. I think I can do that again this season.”

Gray also added defender Jack Iredale from Bolton as his 11th and final transfer window arrival as he looks to strengthen a back line that has conceded 10 goals in four matches ahead of Sunday’s William Hill Premiership encounter at Kilmarnock.

Gray said: “Jack is an experienced centre-half and knows the Scottish game well from his time at Greenock Morton and Queen’s Park.

“We’ve wanted to add a left-footed defender to the first-team squad this window, and he adds extra flexibility and competition for places being comfortable at both centre-half and left-back.”