What the arrival of Chris Cadden means for Hibs

But the arrival of the former Motherwell man won't just furnish Hibs with a versatile player; it could affect how the team is set up, and even what formations are suitable.

The signing may also alter how the team works in other areas of the park which in turn could even have an effect on further transfer business in this window.

The 3-5-2

Cadden is ostensibly a right back but has also played a lot of games on the right of midfield. The main conundrum for Jack Ross in lining his team up in a 3-5-2 is who to play at right wingback. Martin Boyle has been deployed there in the past but is better suited to a more attacking role while the jury is still out on Drey Wright filling the position, with the former St Johnstone man seemingly faring better in a more central role.

The arrival of Cadden allows Ross to have a more defensively-minded player in the role and frees up Paul McGinn to focus on his centre-back duties rather than being drawn out to help cover the right flank.

Pace up front

Cadden’s arrival will also have an effect on the Hibs attack. Martin Boyle is without doubt the quickest forward available and has on occasion this season, been utilised as a striker rather than a winger. Hibs have looked laborious, even pedestrian at times this season in attack, especially when playing a 3-5-2 and robbed of Boyle’s pace further up the field.

With Cadden filling the right wingback role Ross has the option of using Boyle’s pace up front which could be the difference in some games – and could be akin to signing a new striker this month.

Right-back competition?

It is perhaps telling that club captain David Gray’s only involvement this season has been during the Betfred Cup when the bulk of Hibs’ first-choice defenders were on international duty, and occasionally through injury. However, his most recent involvement was as a late sub in Hibs’ 2-2 draw with Celtic and the Scottish Cup hero conceded the free kick from which the Hoops grabbed a late equaliser.

Gray is obviously a key member of the squad; Ross enthuses about what he and Darren McGregor bring to the group despite limited playing time but it’s also worth noting that two of his three outings during the League Cup were at centre-back.

Cadden’s arrival provides competition and cover for Paul McGinn at right-back and potentially allows Gray to focus on a new role as a centre-back.

The skipper has not really been able to replicate his trademark bombing up and down the flank since his two lengthy injury lay-offs but focusing on a more central defensive role could prolong his career while also ensuring he has a part to play in the team until at least the end of the current campaign.

Stronger bench

Cadden’s versatility could also mean fewer outings for Stephen McGinn. Signed on a deal until the end of the season the third of the family to play for Hibs has perhaps seen more game time than he might have expected, albeit mostly as a substitute.

We still don’t know exactly what role Ross has in mind for Jackson Irvine but whether a two-man or three-man central midfield there are plenty of bodies for the starting line-up and bench that will likely see the elder McGinn spend fewer minutes on the pitch and more time in the stand to supplement the coaching staff’s view of the game.

Whatever the set-up, with all players fit and available Hibs have are spoilt for choice in the centre of the park with Alex Gogic, Melker Hallberg, Stevie Mallan, Joe Newell, Stephen McGinn, and Cadden all capable of playing in there. Even Kyle Magennis, whose limited outings in a Hibs shirt so far have tended to be in wide areas, can operate in the middle of the park and could end up playing there more often than not in the future.

In Cadden Hibs will have a player capable of filling at least three roles, who has spent time in three different leagues including the Scottish Premiership, and who has international experience.

Ross is slowly but surely moulding his team into one that is strong across the park; with competition for every position. Cadden is the latest piece of the jigsaw but it would be fair to assume that he won’t be the last.

Consistently successful teams take time to build and to gel but on paper, this particular signing should go a long way to helping Hibs recognise their ambitions in the second half of the season.

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