Jamie McGrath admits Hibs ‘can’t start games the way we have’

Jamie McGrath admits Hibernian must take responsibility for their sluggish starts in defeats to Hearts and St Johnstone.

The Edinburgh club conceded first in both matches and couldn’t fight back from a 2-1 half-time deficit in Perth on Sunday.

The midfielder told Hibs TV: “We just can’t start games the way we have done, especially the last two games.

“We’re giving ourselves a mountain to climb and although the second half was better, we just can’t afford to start sloppy and it’s something as players we need to look at.

“We’ve been given the set-up correctly and everything, but it’s down to us as players to take responsibility and just stop being so sloppy in our decision-making and being lethargic.”

The Republic of Ireland international added: “The positives over the second half were probably a bit better. We got more of a foothold in the game and played the majority of the game in their half, but we probably didn’t create as much as we’d want.

“The first goal in this league is important and you can’t afford to concede it as it gives teams the chance to sit in.

“I thought they (St Johnstone) defended well, and they sat in and made it difficult for us. But as front players we have to be better. We had a few half-chances and we need to be better in those positions.”