Every word from Nick Montgomery Q&A after Hibs beat Saints

Is there any frustration that you couldn't produce that performance and result last time against St Johnstone?

“I thought the performance was good and the result was what we deserved. That’s not always been the case this season. We’ve dominated so many games on stats and possession but they don’t win you games. Putting the ball in the back of the net and being clinical in those moments does and we were today. But we weren’t as clinical as we should’ve been because, if we’re honest, we could’ve scored another four goals - minimum - but their goalkeeper pulled off some great saves. A couple of weeks ago at Easter Road it was a real deflating, disappointing result and their keeper pulled off four or five great saves. We totally dominated. What might’ve been, or could’ve been, doesn’t matter. What does is that we came here, showed good character and the boys put in a good performance. We come away with three points after what’s been a difficult couple of weeks. It’s a good group of lads, I’ve never questioned their character. The only question we’ve had is a bit of bad luck throughout the season. Sometimes you have to make your own luck, defend in key moments and we're disappointed we conceded the goal. Other than that, really happy with the result.”

Have you had a conversation with the players about the need to finish with as many points as possible?

“For sure. All we can do is get as many points as we can. That was the target we set. But it’s one game. We have four more games, four tough games and today was a real test of character after a difficult couple of weeks. Everyone being so disappointed with the manner of the draw at Motherwell, waiting two weeks is never easy for the next game. But we trained hard, stuck together and the fans were outstanding to come and give the support that they did. A massive thank you to them.”

Does that display set the attacking standard going forward?

“I think that’s been the standard most of the season if you look at the statistics. We’re right up there at the top of the league for expected goals. You have to put your chances away and be clinical, otherwise you’re susceptible to concede a set-piece or penalty, whatever it is that’s hurt us so many times these season from winning positions. I said it this week, we lost 12 points from winning positions and that’s what’s really damaged our points tally this season. It’s really important that when we go ahead, we stay ahead. Not being clinical enough has also hurt us this season, but again there’s reasons behind that. It’s nice to pretty much have a full squad back for these last games."

How hard does Emiliano work on free-kicks?

“He works a lot on free-kicks. He came here from not playing for eight or nine months [with a foot injury], so at times, his foot has been a little bit sore. That’s normal when you come back from being out for so long. The free-kick is top class, it’s top class in any league in the world. That’s the talent he’s got. He’s probably frustrated he hasn’t had many free-kicks since he came here, it’s maybe only the second we had on the edge of the box. That’s how lethal he can be, it’s a great finish."

READ MORE: Hibs instant analysis: Emiliano screamer, counter attacking threat, Hanlon the poacher?

Will your hardest task this summer be to replace that calibre of player?

“We’ll get through to the end of the season, then work hard to look at what sort of players we can bring in. It’s going to be quality over quantity, which we did in January. The players who came in then gave us a real push, but we still dropped too many points from winning positions. Moving forward, that’s the calibre of player we need to try and attract to the club. Myziane’s top scorer since he came in. We’re working hard to see what players can be available for next season. Every club is looking at recruitment."

What does coming on and scoring like that say about Paul Hanlon, especially with how pleased everyone on the pitch was for him?

“Paul’s a fantastic player, a great servant for the club. He’s been here a long time and probably hasn’t played as many games as possible [this season] but he went through a period where he was sick. There were five or six weeks where he had a bug and it’s been frustrating for him. I’m really happy for him to score today, the boys have a great deal of respect for him."