Hibs stepped up their pre-season preparations with a comfortable 2-0 win over Paul Hartley’s Hartlepool as Lee Johnson cast an eye over his summer signings.
A goal after 27 minutes from the impressive Ewan Henderson opened the scoring and Ryan Porteous added a headed second after 51 in the blazing Algarve heat. Johnson will have been content with the display of his new-look side at their Amendouera base as they bossed large spells against Hartley’ s League Two opposition and with just 10 days until the season starts for real.
Henderson slammed home from the edge of the box via the post after stepping onto a loose ball. That gave the 200 Hibs fans braving the blazing Algarve heat reason to cheer - as well as continue their near constant comic berating of ex-Hearts man Hartley. Porteous added a second shortly after coming on with a 51st minute header from a Joe Newall corner.
But it was the performance of the eight new signings which was most under the microscope of the supporters. Record Sport was in the Algarve to have a closer look too.
Here’s how they fared:
David Marshall
Quiet afternoon in terms of action for the veteran keeper in his first Hibs run out. Anything but quiet vocally though as the 37-year-old constantly barked at his backline to keep them on their toes and keep the line high.
That experience will be massive this season and a clean sheet is a clean sheet. Job done. A safe pair of hands.
Lewis Miller
Australian full-back played first half and looks a real competitor. Introduced himself to the fans with a thunderous tackle on David Ferguson after seven minutes and built on that with a powerful performance up and down the right flank. Had to look sharp defensively to keep tabs on the lively Joe Gray but coped well, showed good positional sense but his best work came bombing forward, overlapping Runar Hauge and throwing in decent crosses.
Kyle McClelland
First 45 minutes for the former Rangers youngster in the centre of defence beside Rocky Bushiri. Showed a maturity beyond his 20 years as he organised and bossed those around him and performed well beside his fellow new boy.
Decent range of passing and not afraid to try a long diagonal. McLelland left Rangers for first team football and is clearly desperate to make his case early doors at Easter Road.
Rocky Bushiri
Big defender is back permanently after a loan spell in Leith last season and put in a strong performance beside McLelland in a 45 minute run out. Powerful in the air at the back and a real handful in the Hartlepool box at set pieces. Kept it short and simple as Hibs built from the back. Johnson is still in the market for another defender but Bushiri will be keen to nail down one of the slots.
Nohan Kenneh
First 45 minutes for the former Leeds United youngster. Early slip almost allowed Hartlepool in but recovered to put in a decent performance. Block at edge of the box thwarted a Pool chance and provided good cover for his backline in a deep lying midfield role. Looks to be a typical holding midfielder and likes a tackle.
Jair Tavares
Lightening quick winger looked eager to make an early impression in front of the watching Hibees. Cut in off the left after 10 minutes and slammed a shot just wide and came even closer with a first time effort after 45 which just whistled wide. Left footed winger also combined well with Lewis Stevenson on the overlap several times. Arrives from Benfica B with big expectation but looks confident.
Elie Youan
On-loan St Gallen striker led the line for the first half and after a quiet opening spell began to work his way into the game. Was deployed as the main striker but prefers to play just off a number nine, Dropped deep to get on the ball a couple of times and showed a decent ability to run at defenders.
Showed his pace when he burst through one-on-one with the keeper just before the first 45 ended but shot his low was saved. Looks strong and quick.
Aiden McGeady
Veteran winger came on for the second half and looks in good shape despite having no competitive football in his legs for seven months. Combined well with Josh Doig as they caused Hartlepool no end of problems on the left side. Dangerous crosses and set pieces remain a feature of the former Celtic and Ireland man’s game and Johnson will be keen to capitalise on that weapon as much as possible. Mixed it up positionally too as he drifted inside and deep at times to get on the ball and always looking for a killer pass.
Hbs first 45: Marshall, Miller, Bushiri, McLelland, Stevenson; Kenneh, Doyles-Hayes, Henderson, Tavares, Hauge; Youan.
Hibs second 45: Dabrowski, Cadden, Porteous, Brydon, Doig; Delferriere, Newell, Campbell, Melkersen, McGeady; Doidge.
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