Jake Doyle-Hayes struck a sensational double to open his Hibs account and launch Shaun Maloney’s side into the top four - and within sight of Hearts - with a 2-0 win over Ross County.
The Irishman hadn’t netted in 33 appearances since his summer move from St Mirren and his shot-shy side had scored in just one of their previous six league outings.
But Doyle-Hayes brought a frustrated Easter Road to its feet with two thunderous second half strikes - the clincher an incredible chest and volley from near 25 yards of which his boss would’ve been proud - to end a six-game winless run in the Premiership.
Maloney, who has his eyes set firmly on Europe, saluted his Irish gem but laughed off suggestions it was his own magic that rubbed off on the midfielder.
He said: “I would love to take any form of credit for that!
“We’ve done a lot or work in the last two or three weeks on different types of finishing, at times we have created and at times we haven’t been clinical.
“You have to give every credit to Jake, just amazing two goals. His second was just a brilliant goal. I hope he can talk you through it a lot better than I can.
“Jake was really, really good. Take away his goals and his performance was very good.”
In the end it was a deserved three points for Hibs who turned up the tempo after a lacklustre first half to cut the gap on third-placed Hearts who lost at St Johnstone to nine points.
Wobbling Hearts are now in Hibs’ direct sights after they lost to St Johnstone on Saturday. But Maloney said: “I don’t think we should concentrate too much on the gap between us and Hearts.
“I know the fans would like to given the city but I think we have to respect what’s round about us.
“It was a big win today but we have to fight to stay in the top six and four or five teams can still achieve fourth.
“I wouldn’t worry about third just yet. If we continue to play like we did in the second half then we can, but there is a lot of work to do first.
“I think nine points is a big gap. I think we have to fight for the top six first and be respectful of what is around us.
“It’s a big win now but it’s not the time to take the eye off of that. Even in the game we had to fight and we’re going to have to fight to stay in the top six.
“I genuinely think fourth is up for four or five teams, whoever puts a run together and we have to work hard to make sure it’s us.”
