Hibs boss Jack Ross speaks on Kevin Nisbet transfer request and hails Ryan Porteous 'maturity'

Hibs boss Jack Ross hailed Ryan Porteous’ “maturity” after the 21-year-old put the frustrations of the transfer window to one side to head home the Leith side’s opener as they went on to defeat 10-man St Mirren 2-1.

Hibs manager Jack Ross believes his side are close to recapturing their early-season form after victory over St Mirren. Photo by Ross Parker / SNS Group

Stating that his side are “back at it” and “edging back to the form they were in at the start of the season”, he praised his young defender, who, along with fellow transfer target Kevin Nisbet, had been forced to start a second successive match on the bench.

“It shows the maturity of him to handle what has happened in the past four or five days,” said Ross.

"I spoke to Kevin late last night but Ryan was different because we dealt with things previous to that. They were both understanding of the situation but it was unusual for them. It's not easy to deal with. It's about being able to refocus for the remainder of the season.

"Once they woke up this morning they knew they had a job to do for us for the rest of the season and they've both had good seasons to date and that's why there was interest in them and I'm quite sure the situation will arise again in the summer if they play like they have done.”

Stressing that it was not his decision whether to accept the bids that came in, he admitted it would always be his preference to keep hold of his best players but he refused to have a go at Nisbet, who had tried to push his move to Birmingham City by submitting a transfer request.

"People from afar can be critical, but when there is potential for life-changing, financial rewards, anyone in any line of work's head would be spinning at that. He's very young and he's had a lot to deal with this season so we have got to be sympathetic and understanding about that. I've been very understanding of everything that has gone through his head.

"It's easy to say I never had any concerns about it, but I honestly didn't because we have built good relations with both players and I think they are appreciative of that.

"It'll come again for them. If we are winning games and high in the table, it'll come again for them both.”

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