Top line summary

  • A 'good day' getting back among the goals and playing as central striker
  • 'Understands' manager's decision to play him in a deeper role this season
  • Mood lifted in push for top six
  • Feels Hibs in a good place ahead of the derby

Dylan Vente spoke to the media after Hibs' 2-1 win over Dundee at Easter Road. Here's everything the striker had to say...

How did it feel getting back on the scoresheet?

"It’s been a while, everybody knows it, including me. So it was a good feeling. I felt good, playing more as the striker, so it felt good. I got more chances so it was a good day for me."

Does winning like that show the mentality of this team?

"If you look at the game, I think we were better on the ball. We had the confidence to score another goal and you need the right time and right moment. It was a great action from Myziane and a great goal. When you are 1-0 up, I think we should have scored more goals to make it easy for ourselves.  You know they will come and press and put balls in. They scored but we showed good character to score the winner."

You've been out of the team recently, how have you kept yourself going?

"I am a guy that always works hard, I accept the choice of the trainer and the next time you get in you have to perform well and do your thing. Saturday was a good opportunity to play as a real striker, to get in the areas you want to be in. Unfortunately the offside goal was not given, but I am getting in those positions now."

Several attacking players have come into the team, is that exciting for you as a striker?

"Yeah, Boyley is back too on the right side and I think he is really dangerous there, that’s huge for us. Like all players up front, they have their own ability, style. That is good for the team, there is competition but that is good to keep you sharp."

You often played a deeper role earlier in the season, how was that and are you hoping for a run as the central striker now?

"I’ve played my whole life as a striker. In the first half of the season Boyley had to play as the striker, we had some injuries. I understand it, as a player you want to play in the positions you are most comfortable. I am happy that Saturday was a day I can show myself in the position I want to play in."

READ MORE: Hibs instant analysis - BIG win, Myziane unplayable, Rocky impresses

How important can this win be in the push for the top six?

"This win is big for us, we had not been in a good way with the last couple of games, unlucky sometimes. I think this win is huge, good for us to get confidence back then go on to the next game."

How do you feel about going to Tynecastle?

"It’s the biggest game for us, everybody knows how big the game is, the fans, us as a team - especially for us now in the position we’re in. We need to win so we have to be sharp, be confident and to go for it 100 per cent."

Has the mood in the dressing room changed now after getting a win on the board?

"Of course, because if you lose or draw, the dressing room is not that happy. Now I think the mood is better so that is good for us."

READ MORE: Every word from Nick Montgomery Hibs Q&A after Dundee win

Do you expect a reaction from Hearts?

"The derby is always a game on its own - a different game. It was a crazy game last time, we have to trust in our own ability."

Is it a chance to show that the gap is not as big as it looks?

"I’ve read some things about the gaps. But at the end the gap is big but we have to look at every game, game on game and game and not look how big the gap is. At the end we will see."

Do you have a preferred technique for taking penalties?

"If I’m on pens I have confidence, I have my own thing. I won’t say it! I feel comfortable."