‘He’s adapted really well’ - Owen Elding earns high praise from Hibs boss after Sligo youngster strikes again

The 20-year-old, who was signed from Sligo Rovers, struck after just 15 seconds as the Hibees defeated Kilmarnock 3-0 at Easter Road to close the gap on fourth-placed Motherwell to three points in the battle for guaranteed European football next season.

Elding also produced a magnificent pass in the build-up to his side’s second goal, scored by Felix Passlack, before sub Ante Suto sealed victory in stoppage time.

“I think Owen’s growing in confidence all the time,” said manager Gray. “For such a young player, he’s adapted really quickly to men’s football.

“I know he’s been playing men’s football over in Ireland, which is a difficult level as well, but the step up, I think he’s adapted really well to the intensity.

“He’s a really mature player for his age. His technical ability speaks for itself and there’s a lot more to come from him as well, which is really pleasing.”

Right wing-back Passlack, who joined from Bochum in January, also chipped in with a goal and an assist, and Gray is delighted with the attacking threat the former Borussia Dortmund player brings.

“It’s something he’s done since he joined the club,” he said. “He scored in at the back post at Celtic Park, and the next week he had a chance in at the back post as well.

“His goal was wing-back to wing-back, Jordan Obita squaring it across. When you play with wing-backs, they really need to be that outlet. You need to switch the play and use them.

“I think Felix has been a brilliant addition, not only for his goals and assists, but just how he is every day around the building. He’s played at a high level and is culturally very good, with his level of professionalism, setting standards.”

Gray expects to have Nicky Cadden back for Saturday’s trip to Aberdeen after a minor injury while Rocky Bushiri will also return to contention at Pittodrie after missing the Killie game in the wake of DR Congo’s qualification for the World Cup.

Killie boss Neil McCann was disappointed his side failed to land a blow on Hibs after arriving in Edinburgh buoyed by back-to-back home wins. The Ayrshire side remain in the relegation play-off spot, three points behind both St Mirren and Aberdeen.

“It will not derail us with what we’re trying to do here,” said McCann. “It’s just another sore one and we just need to accept it, see where we’ve gone wrong and then work on it next week towards the Dundee game.

“Our home form has been brilliant, really strong. We had a sell-out number (of supporters) that followed us through, and I’m so disappointed for them because they came with optimism. We have let them down, and we’ll look to try to make that up next Saturday.”

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