Will Fish excited to see where new manager Nick Montgomery can take Hibernian

Will Fish is excited to see where Nick Montgomery can take Hibernian after being impressed by the way the new manager has gone about his business so far.

The 41-year-old was appointed as Lee Johnson’s successor at Easter Road last week and oversaw a 2-2 draw in his first match in charge away to Kilmarnock last weekend.

Montgomery’s arrival in Edinburgh was widely acclaimed by supporters after his recent title-winning exploits with Australian side Central Coast Mariners, and the Hibs players have enjoyed their early days under his charge.

“Training’s been a lot more intense, in terms of the training load, we’re doing more,” said on-loan Manchester United defender Fish. “Everything we’re doing in training is leading up to the game at the weekend. I’ve been really impressed.

“A lot of tactical work has been done which is understandable because he’s got his own style of play. I think it’s really positive. The changing room is excited to see where he can take us.

“The ideas are there and it’s down to us to put it out on the pitch.”

Fish expects Hibs to become a more expansive team under Montgomery.

“He just wants everyone to be comfortable on the pitch,” said the centre-back. “He likes to play more football than we did previously, which is good. I’m excited for that. I’m really positive about it.”

One of Montgomery’s main tasks will be to shore up the leakiest defence in the league, with the Hibees having conceded 10 goals in their five league matches so far.

“This year we’ve conceded too many soft goals at important times in games so it is something we’re working on,” said Fish. “We are going to get better at that. As defenders, we need to make sure we can help the team as much as possible.”

Montgomery takes charge of his first home game against St Johnstone on Saturday. The Perth side head to Easter Road looking to climb off the bottom of the cinch Premiership after collecting just two points from their five matches.

“No game in this league is easy,” said Fish. “St Johnstone are probably more of a direct team so we’ll have to deal with balls over the top and strikers hunting you down. They’ll be solid and well-organised so we’re not taking them lightly.”