In-form Eoin Doyle confident Hibs can continue resurgence

The Irishman netted in three successive matches to take Hibs briefly to the top of the table, and they sit second behind Celtic in the SPL table ahead of today’s clash with Ross County in Dingwall. Hibs’ position is in stark contrast to recent seasons, when the Edinburgh club have been toiling towards the foot of the standings. Doyle believes the mentality of the squad is such that the hiatus will be far from detrimental to Hibs’ aspirations. He said: “For me personally I was in good form, so I didn’t really want to stop. When you’re in good form and you’re getting good results you want to keep going, but I think we’ve got a good character base in the team and the squad.

“The rest was something that was needed across the team. Everyone was working really hard, so I’m sure it will be a benefit to us.”

Manager Pat Fenlon has made numerous changes since being installed as manager almost a year ago.

Doyle, who joined in January, added: “It’s a different dressing room and a lot of players have come and gone. What the gaffer has assembled now seems to be clicking well. It’s a good dressing room, everyone’s in it for each other and it seems to be paying off. We’re up there near the top of the table and we want to stay up there.”

County are new to the top flight, having been promoted last term, and are managed by Derek Adams, who had a spell as Hibs assistant manager recently.

“We know what they’re all about, but hopefully we can get a result,” Doyle added.

The 24-year-old means a second away win of the season. He is eager to return to the field of play, having watched his native Republic of Ireland beaten 6-1 by Germany in Dublin last Friday, while most of Scotland will also be keen to quickly forget about the abysmal form shown by Craig Levein’s side in the World Cup qualification campaign.

He said: “I went home to see my family for the weekend. I went to the Ireland game – I wish I hadn’t. It was a bit of a nightmare. It was hard to look at them [Germany] when they’re battering the team you love. It didn’t go well for me.”

Meanwhile, Ross County manager Adams insisted he is keen to focus purely on the match itself despite his six-month spell as Colin Calderwood’s Easter Road assistant. Adams said: “It is a good football club, with good people there. I enjoyed my six months working with Colin Calderwood, Rod Petrie and the backroom staff. But the focus is on a another important game.

“Hibs have had a good start to the season. But if we win the game, we’re four points behind them. There is not a huge gap between anyone in this league and it is just about gaining momentum. If you can string a few wins together it breeds confidence.

“We’re certainly going into the game in a confident mood from the point of view that we’ve had good performances.”

County are without Martin Scott, on-loan from Hibs, with an ankle injury – although Scott would have been free to face his parent club. Also injured are striker Sam Morrow, midfielder Alex Cooper and winger Mark Corcoran.