Steve Kean has praised the application of Harry McKirdy and Jair Tavares after a run out for the Hibs Development Squad.
The Hibees picked up an impressive 3-1 victory over Hamilton Accies with the capital club blowing away their opponents in the opening 45 minutes with three goals thanks to Oscar MacIntyre, Tavares and Allan Delferriere. Accies pulled back a consolation in the second period but it an all-round 'exceptional' display according to the Academy Director.
With Lee Johnson's men not in action this weekend due to the international break - with Scotland up against Cyprus and Spain - Taveres and McKirdy were handed the chance to get vital match minutes under their belts with both leaving a lasting impression.
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Speaking to Hibs' official website, Kean said: “Harry worked really hard all game as did Jair – they both put in a great shift for us. Jair played right-wing back and was up and down the flank tirelessly all afternoon. He took his goal extremely well and played an important part in setting up Allan’s goal too.
“That is the beauty of these Reserve League games – it gives the gaffer a good opportunity to drop some of the First Team lads down who may need more minutes or are coming back from injury. It also gives us a good chance for our young lads to play alongside more senior players which is great for their development.”
On the performance of his troops, he added: “I thought we were exceptional today, particularly in the first half. We got our three goals which killed the game but, in all honesty, I think it could’ve been a lot more.
“Sometimes it can be difficult to keep up the intensity for the full 90 minutes but I liked our hunger and desire to keep going for more in the second half.
“We hit the bar several times in the second half, Josh O’Connor had a good chance and on another day Harry McKirdy could’ve had a hat-trick. Overall it is a very happy dressing room in there.”
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