Fans warm to Kujabi thanks to rousing performance

The 26-year-old has rather dauntingly found himself compared to Roberto Carlos since his deadline-day arrival.While his display against Kilmarnock may not have been on a par with the Brazilian World Cup winner, Kujabi displayed energy, craft and tactical awareness during a fine debut.

Kujabi, who earned loud applause from the home support after one particularly dazzling second half-run which set up Eoin Doyle with a goalscoring chance, said: “I can’t thank them enough, it was great, I want to work hard to continue to give the fans what they want to see on the pitch.

“I could hear everyone clapping when I did something good, but I was more focused on the game. But after the game you can think, ‘that was special to hear them chanting my name’ – but it was the whole team – not just Kujabi.”

Kujabi was joined by fellow debutants Matt Doherty and Roy O’Donovan, while Tom Soares and the superb James McPake made their second appearances in Hibs colours.

Pat Fenlon’s rebuilding of the Easter Road squad has been swift, but on Saturday there were signs it could prove successful, with his Hibs side displaying a new-found stubbornness.

Kilmarnock manager Kenny Shiels acknowledged that the new faces, including the infectious Kujabi, may have boosted the home side. He said: “I think there was adrenaline – with all the new signings it helped the supporters really get behind the team.”