David Gray believes squad depth is key to Hibernian charge after win over Kilmarnock

David Gray has hailed his Hibs squad after a third consecutive league win keeps them in touch with the top end of the Premiership table.

The Easter Road side secured a 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday, in their first game of 2026, which leaves them just four points off second-placed Celtic.

And the head coach says he is delighted with the depth of squad at his disposal after overcoming injuries to key players to build momentum heading into the new year.

Hibs lost Kanayo Megwa and Jack Iredale in their victory at Rugby Park but found a way to clinch all three points.

“I think it would have been easy for us to feel a bit sorry for ourselves,” Gray said.

“I’ve spoken a lot about the squad and the togetherness within it. The biggest compliment I can give them is the way they train every day.

“There will be players that are frustrated and waiting for opportunities — credit to the players that have stepped up.”

Hibs host Motherwell at Easter Road on Saturday in an intriguing clash that could see them leapfrog the Steelmen into fourth place.

Both sides have picked up 13 points from their last six league matches, and Gray is keen to carry on his team’s excellent form.

“Motherwell have had a fantastic run and are doing really well,” he added.

“I’m always about trying to catch that team in front of us, you won’t get a better opportunity than playing against the team directly in front of you at home.

“Both teams go into it in strong form, it’s got the makings of a really good game.

“I’ve said to the players that winning in this league is difficult, to have done so three games in a row at this stage of the season puts us in a really good position — but there’s still more to come.”

Meanwhile, Killie interim manager Kris Doolan hopes that whoever is appointed Kilmarnock boss this week can help propel the club up the table.

The Rugby Park side are without a win in 14 games and are just four points above Livingston at the foot of the standings.

A new manager is expected to be appointed early this week and Doolan, who took charge for four games on an interim basis, is confident of a change in their fortunes.

“Whatever manager comes in, whoever that may be, they’re taking on good people and that’s not just the players,” Doolan said.

“There’s good staff, there’s good people behind the scenes who do a lot of good work.

“It’s just turning the corner and I’m hoping that, once a manager is announced, then that just settles everybody and it’s the catalyst for change and turning the corner.

“I just want to see the club do well. I want to see a manager come in, I think that can be enough to turn the corner, and it gives those fresh ideas to the players, it gives them a wee lift.”