HIBEES ISSUE A STATEMENT

DAVID GRAY has told his Hibs players they must use their statement derby victory as a springboard for their stuttering campaign.

- DARREN JOHNSTONE

The Leith men held on to claim the Edinburgh bragging rights with a gripping 3-2 win after nearly being pegged back from three-nil up.

And after failing to make their punches land in games against Hearts, Celtic and Rangers earlier this season, the Easter Road gaffer refused to play down the significance of this success.

Hibs are now 13 points adrift of leaders Jambos as they prepare to host Aberdeen on Tuesday.

And Gray is hoping his inconsistent side can now gain some much-needed momentum.

He said: "It's been mentioned a lot this season that what's eluded us is that statement win.

"We got a draw at Celtic Park earlier this season but in the other big games we've played well and not really got the result that was required.

"A lot of that's to do with the expectation that's risen off the back of last season, how well we started in Europe and the performances that we're capable of putting in.

I don't always feel it's been a lack of effort.

"I thought today we got there in the end.