Jamie McGrath eager to improve after Hibernian ‘dream start’

Hibernian new boy Jamie McGrath got off to a flier at Easter Road on Wednesday night by notching the first goal in the friendly win against Rot-Weiss Essen

The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international, who arrived this summer on a four-year contract after leaving Aberdeen, made his mark inside two minutes against the German side, knocking in from close range after visiting keeper Jakob Golz had saved his initial drive.

Further goals from Junior Hoilett and Martin Boyle secured a 3-2 win for David Gray’s side.

“It was a good game, it was a good workout – I think at this stage of the season that is the main thing,” McGrath told Hibs TV.

“This part of the season is getting the hard runs in, trying to get fitter game by game.

“So it was good work out for all of us. We all got stuff out of it and we had some good moments as well, but a lot to improve on.

“Still learning how the gaffer and how the lads play but a really enjoyable night at Easter Road in front of the crowd.

“It kind of felt like a European game, it didn’t feel like a friendly at all so a really positive experience.

“It was probably a dream start, the first touch, I should have scored and then I scored with the rebound.

“Millsy (Lewis Miller) done really well down the wing and put in a lovely ball.

“He was raging that he didn’t get the assist because I missed the first one but a great start.”