Motherwell’s Paul McGinn ‘delighted’ Hibs showed patience with David Gray

Motherwell captain Paul McGinn is delighted to see Hibernian head coach David Gray in a stronger position ahead of their meeting on Saturday after fearing for his former team-mate’s job last time out.

Hibs were bottom of the Premiership when they arrived at Fir Park on November 30 but they are now just one point off the top six and their six-game unbeaten run is the longest current undefeated streak in the division.

McGinn would rather Gray’s revival had come after their 3-0 win in Lanarkshire and he is aiming to derail the former Hibernian captain’s progress at Easter Road on Saturday, but he is still happy to see his ex-colleague vindicating his summer promotion from a coaching role.

The 34-year-old said: “It’s great because, like everyone, I thought at one point he must have been on a shaky peg. I’m delighted that they managed to be patient.

“Everyone knew Hibs were going to turn it around. I don’t think anyone thought they were where they were meant to be. I’m not all that surprised. They seem to have confidence now.

“So it could be a different animal we face.”

The Motherwell board showed similar patience as Stuart Kettlewell survived a 15-game run without a win before a strong finish to last season.

McGinn said: “I do feel for boards and stuff because it’s everywhere. You can’t hide anymore. It’s not just guys going to the pub after games and moaning about the manager on Saturday and Sunday. Then on Monday they’re back at work and can’t speak to anyone.

“They can just go online. It’s constant, you’ll see it every day. That’s just the life we live in now where everyone’s got an opinion, everyone’s got a voice that can be heard by everyone.

“I do think it must be hard to be patient and strong and say, ‘no, look, we’ve got a plan’.

“We always talk about the Alex Ferguson one. Would he have lasted at Man U if it was social media times? I’m not so sure. I suppose it’s a good example, if you are patient, it can be turned around.”

McGinn has struggled to be patient in recent months after suffering a thigh injury that ruled him out for three months before he returned off the bench in Motherwell’s last two matches.

“I’m relieved to be back,” he said. “It’s pretty frustrating. I’m just glad to be out there helping. I hate watching. I can’t stand it.

“When you’re invested as much, I’m not great. It’s the same with my brothers. I never really enjoy it all that much. I much prefer being in charge.”

With Liam Gordon a doubt for the trip to Leith, McGinn feels he can play for 90 minutes if selected.

“I’m kind of lucky that I’m naturally pretty fit,” he added. “I don’t know, the metabolism I’ve got compared to my brothers, I can just go straight back in. I don’t know if that’s just in my head, but I do feel good.”