Gray Praises Professional Performance At Dundee

Hibernian FC Head Coach David Gray praised his players’ “professional performance” as they beat Dundee FC 2-1 at Dens Park.

A brace from Kieron Bowie got Hibs’ league campaign off to a positive start, in what was a very controlled, comfortable performance.

When speaking to Hibs TV after the game, Gray heaped praise on his side.

“I’m very pleased. It was a real professional performance from start to finish and it needed to be.

“It was always going to be tough coming up here, especially with everyone questioning how we were going to be because of the level of performance we put in on Thursday night, and whether there was going to be a hangover from it because of the emotional side of the game.

“I was challenging the players to make sure we were mentally there today. I know how strong the group is but wanted to test their mentality and reminded them of the importance of starting the season well.

“The concentration levels required today and the controlled performance of the players was very professional. We fully deserved the three points. All in all, I’m delighted with what I got today.”

Kieron Bowie will grab the headlines because of his first half brace, and Gray admits there’s still much more to come from the Scotland international.

“It’s good to see Kieron finish 90 minutes, it’s good for him to know he’s got that in his legs now. I said at the end of last season that we’ve not seen the best of Kieron Bowie yet, and I still believe that. There’s still a lot to come from him.

“He’s benefitted from a strong pre-season, but a lot of players have too. You need to be bang at it to go Thursday, Sunday, Thursday. The players should look forward to that challenge.

“Kieron will take the praise because of his performance today, but it was a real positive collective performance.”