Barnes display, defensive duo, transfer window - talking points from Rangers 1-0 Hibs

We've picked out five talking points relating to the match.

McGinn again

It's hardly breaking news but Paul McGinn continues to impress for Hibs whether at right-back or right centre-half. Easter Road head coach Jack Ross has been fiercely appreciative of the defender this season and to a certain extent the middle McGinn brother is still flying under the radar.

Every team needs a player that puts in a “7/10” performance as a minimum each week and Hibs have exactly that in the 30-year-old. True, he hasn't had a faultless season so far but his positives have far outweighed any negatives.

Some sections of the Hibs support may have sneered at his arrival a little over 12 months ago but in that time he has become a key member of the team.

Barnes’ storming performance

Ofir Marciano has been in fine form this season but Dillon Barnes stepped out of the Israeli No.1’s shadow to put in a fine performance on his first league start. The on-loan QPR goalkeeper was handed a big test away to the Scottish Premiership leaders who haven’t dropped a single point at home this campaign but the 24-year-old acquitted himself well. In treacherous conditions Barnes made a number of point-blank saves to keep Hibs in it and had no chance with the goal. Marciano will likely go straight back into the starting team once fit again but the Easter Road back-up deserves plaudits for his performance at Ibrox. His saves from Connor Goldson and Leon Balogun were impressive and he did well to deny Alfredo Morelos late on.

3-5-2 and Josh Doig

Josh Doig returned to the starting line-up for the first time on league duty since the start of last month and put in an assured performance at left wingback. His cross for Martin Boyle in the opening minutes deserved a better outcome and he nearly scored himself with a wind-assisted cross that nicked Allan McGregor’s post.

After a strong start to the campaign the teenager was replaced by Lewis Stevenson before injury allowed Sean Mackie a run at left-back. Stevenson is still a solid defender in a back four but Doig certainly excels in the 3-5-2 set-up.

It's unclear if Jack Ross will maintain this formation against Ross County and Livingston at Easter Road in the next two fixtures but having it as an option means Hibs are less predictable than they have been in previous campaigns.

After a couple of slightly shaky performances Doig can be pleased with his performance at Ibrox and it will have done his confidence the world of good.

On and off the Boyle

The influential winger can turn games with his pace and delivery from the flank but passed up two good chances at Ibrox.

Granted he was filling a role up front rather than his usual shift on the wing and was up against a miserly defence, but Hibs need their star man to be shining more consistently than he currently is - whatever position he is filling.

It was especially frustrating watching the Australian internationalist pass up a good opportunity in the second half when instead of shooting with his weaker foot he tried to move it onto his right, giving Connor Goldson a chance to clear the danger.

Five goals and eight assists from 26 games so far is a decent return but there's a nagging feeling that Boyle is capable of more. Two goals and two assists in the four games prior to the Ibrox trip suggested he was picking up form again, so it will be no surprise if he causes Ross County and Livingston problems.

The second half of the season should be the ideal stage for him to illustrate his talents on a more regular basis and he could have a big say on where Hibs finish in the table.

January shopping list?

With January and the transfer window just around the corner it would be no surprise to see Hibs dip into the market to boost their chances of a strong showing in the second half of the campaign.

It isn't that long since Hibs were parading eight new January signings but the odds are that Jack Ross will want minimal upheaval. It's worth noting that seven players who have started league games for the Capital club this season were missing for the trip to Ibrox for one reason or another and virtually all of them are guaranteed to return to action within the next fortnight.

Any transfer business will have to strengthen the team in the right areas. A left-sided winger may be on the shopping list while versatile former Motherwell player Chris Cadden is a reported target as well.

Another striker may also be an option if Hibs want to bolster their options in attack. Martin Boyle has filled in up top but the Easter Road coaching staff may want an out-and-out striker who could also provide an option off the bench – something they were lacking with Christian Doidge suspended for the Boxing Day clash.

Doidge and Kevin Nisbet have been in good form so far this season but with third-choice striker Jamie Gullan looking more comfortable playing off the left rather than centrally, it wouldn't be a huge surprise if a centre-forward to complement the existing strikers was also on the radar.

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