What areas Hibs need to strengthen when they enter the transfer market

Hibs will have plenty of continuity going into the 2020/21 campaign with the vast majority of last season’s squad still contracted to the club. However, a quick glance at Jack Ross’ options and it is clear that more depth is required.

The current situation surrounding Scottish football, and football in general, will present more opportunities for the club’s youngsters, especially as the Easter Road side won’t make any transfer moves until the wage deferral is lifted.

When the club enters the transfer market there are areas which could do with reinforcements.

GOALKEEPER

In Ofir Marciano Hibs have one of the best goalkeepers in the Scottish Premiership. It was hard to get your head around the Israeli acting as back-up during spells last season before he was rightly re-installed as the No.1.

There may have been one or two errors but by and large Marciano is a proven matchwinner for the club.

With Adam Bogdan leaving Hibs will likely need to bring in a reinforcement to challenge Marciano for the No.1 position.

Although there is also Kevin Dabrowski to consider. The Polish youth international impressed on loan at Cowdenbeath before injury curtailed his progress.

What is required: Someone to potentially challenge Marciano but not urgent with Dabrowski at the club.

DEFENCE

Jack Ross found balance with Paul McGinn joining Adam Jackson and Paul Hanlon in a back three. There is, of course, Ryan Porteous to come back and Darren McGregor which provides a number of options.

It is in the full-back areas where recruitment may be required.

Jason Naismith was a huge hit at right-back before injury ended his season in January. He is an obvious target, keen to come back although he has one year left on his Peterborough United contract.

David Gray has missed plenty of football across the past three campaigns which has meant there has been a need for competition in the area.

Lewis Stevenson will likely expect competition once again, especially if Ross sticks with the back three. It could mean that more of a specialist at wing-back may be needed.

What is required: A right-back to compete with David Gray and a left-(wing)back.

MIDFIELD

Greg Docherty and Stephane Omeonga leaving has left a big gap in the centre of the pitch. The former especially made a telling impact, acting as an all-round driving force. Jack Ross, the players and the fans would likely welcome the Rangers midfielder back with open arms.

Centrally it has left Scott Allan, Joe Newell, Melker Hallberg and Stevie Mallan as the options.

It could certainly be argued another two players are required on top of that. Firstly, someone to provide what Docherty brought to the team. Directness, pace, power and that link between Allan and the forwards and those behind them.

Docherty’s ability to shift the ball quickly saw Hibs become an incredibly potent counter-attacking force.

On top of his box-to-box qualities, the Easter Road side missed a player with destructive capabilities. It was something which was noticeable amongst fans from early on in the season. The midfield lacked balance at times and someone who would make it very difficult for opponents to play through. Hibs after all gave up the fourth most shots.

What is required: Box-to-box midfielder and defensive midfielder

WIDE

There has been speculation linking Hibs with a move for Drey Wright which suggests they are looking to add to their arsenal on the flanks.

In Martin Boyle the club have one of the most dangerous players in the league and one of the first names on the team sheet. Team-mate Daryl Horgan has spoken about his frustrations from the past season.

The likes of Jamie Gullan and Fraser Murray can play wide but are best in the centre, while the need for another winger or wide man may depend on Ross’ ideas structurally.

If he plays with a 4-2-3-1 for example, the club will definitely need to bring in someone. Wright would provide more pace and directness, although there could be an opportunity for an inverted winger, who will look to move off the flank and drive in field.

What is required: It would be handy for the club to bring in at least one other wide man

STRIKER

In January the club brought Marc McNulty back for a second loan spell, while they were linked with moves for Kevin Nisbet and Mickel Miller. Florian Kamberi leaving did provide Gullan with an opportunity which he was certainly beginning to take before the shutdown.

There are the makings of a decent partnership between Gullan and Christian Doidge but more depth is a necessity, especially as Kamberi is very likely to have played his last game for the club.

Due to the different qualities of Gullan and Doidge, Ross can likely be quite open minded as to the forward(s) he adds.

Nisbet would certainly be a coup from Dunfermline. He can create chances for himself and team-mates, play with his back to goal, dribble, run in behind and link play.

What is required: Definitely more striking options