Dead-ball artistry alive and kicking

TIME OUT: Jamie McGrath relaxes during training but his set-plays, like his free-kick against Midtjylland, inset, are proving a vital weapon for Hibs

- By Darren Johnstone

IT COULD be argued that Jamie McGrath’s dead-ball prowess should come with a health warning for both his Hibs teammates and the opposition.

The playmaker has already found the net with a stunning free-kick in the recent 1-1 Europa League qualifying tie with Midtjylland in Denmark.

And last weekend he set up Rocky Bushiri for the opener in their 2-2 Premiership draw with Kilmarnock.

However, that assist left Bushiri seeing stars as he headed McGrath’s rocket into the net at the back post.

It is those attributes that have helped the 28-year-old hit the ground running at Easter Road since his summer switch from Aberdeen.

And the Irishman is hoping to contribute again as Hibs look to close out their Conference League third qualifying round tie with Partizan Belgrade this evening following last week’s 2-0 victory in Serbia.

McGrath said: “You’re never going to get every one of them right, but you have to give yourself the best chance to do it.

“I know the keeper had a good save in the first leg from a shot I took from free-kick.