David Gray reckons his in-form Hibernian team got what they deserved against Rangers after Rocky Bushiri's late equaliser ensured their unbeaten run stretched to six games.
Hibs were fighting down in the relegation spots a few months ago, now their recent form has put them sitting 11 points from the Scottish Premiership drop zone.
In an electrifying encounter at Easter Road, Rangers’ attacking quartet of Hamza Igamane, Vaclav Cerny, Nedim Bajrami, and Ianis Hagi terrorised a shaky Hibernian defence by scoring two early goals.
Igamane opened proceedings just four minutes in, finishing Hagi's setup, before heading in his second from a Bajrami cross with 19 minutes gone.
Despite their dominance, Rangers were unable to extend their lead, allowing Hibs to find their footing with Martin Boyle netting before half-time.
The momentum shifted when Martin Boyle scored for Hibs from the penalty spot, levelling the game on the hour mark.
After Igamane restored the visitors’ lead to bag his first Rangers hat-trick, Hibs equalised again through Bushiri as the clock ticked towards full-time.
The thrilling contest saw both teams come close to sealing a win, but it ultimately ended in a 3-3 draw, leaving Gray delighted with Hibs' effort, while Philippe Clement was lamenting decisions not going Rangers' way.
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Speaking to Sky Sports, the Hibs head coach said: "I think it's clear for everyone to see [the spirit]. The second half performance was outstanding in terms of the effort and desire, the character shown from everyone involved right to the very end.
"To come back from 2-0 down to 2-2 to then create the best chances in the goal at that point. We hit the post with [Dwight] Gayle's chance then we were pegged back again.
"So, to show that character and desire to come back to get what I think we at least deserved for our second half performance because I thought the game could've very easily have been away from us with how it started.
"We showed real character in the second half. I thought that we got what we deserved at least."
Asked about the penalty award, which left the Rangers camp perplexed, Gray claimed it was a simple decision for referee John Beaton.
“I think the defender’s wrong side," he commented. "He [Josh Campbell] gets to the ball and gets in front of him [Ianis Hagi]. If you’re the wrong side, you always run the risk.
“So it’s a clear penalty for me. Pretty simple from my point of view.”
