Three things we learned from Hibs 3 - 0 Ross County

Return of Vicky

Vykintas Slivka hadn’t featured since the 2-1 victory over Hamilton last month when he was hooked at half-time with Hibs trailing to Alexander Gogic’s header. Even the Lithuanian would be first to admit it wasn’t his finest display in a green-and-white jersey. However, against County, he controlled the midfield and provided the perfect anchor for Scott Allan and Greg Docherty to utilise the space in front of them. Was the Easter Road side’s best player and must be a sure starter at Rugby Park on Sunday.

Strikers on target

Seeing both Doidge and McNulty on the scoresheet will have pleased head coach Jack Ross immensely. That’s now five between them in the space of three days, albeit Sunday was against Lowland League opposition. It does, however, bode well for the remaining weeks and months of the season as Hibs chase down the likes of Aberdeen and Motherwell in those coveted European spots, not to mention a favourable Scottish Cup quarter-final clash with Championship side Inverness still to come. This has the makings of a very exciting partnership and one that could deliver a hatful of goals.

Clean sheet

Hibs’ defence has come under fire this season – some of it justified, some of it not. However, a makeshift back three kept it tight and limited County to very few opportunities. Billy Mckay had a couple of sniffs in and around the six-yard box but, generally, Hibs stood up to the challenge and never looked like relinquishing their lead once they got their noses in front. It’s only the fifth time the Easter Road club have managed a shut out in 26 league fixtures this season.