Top line summary

  • Relaxed over expiring contract, will wait to discuss at end of the season
  • 'Line crossed' with missiles thrown at Shankland
  • Winning Scottish Cup a big ambition
  • Investment can help push for third long-term

David Marshall spoke to the media ahead of Ross County's visit to Easter Road on Saturday. Here's everything the Hibs keeper had to say...

Was the performance on Wednesday an important step for this team?

“We knew we needed to pick up a minimum four points between Aberdeen and Dundee. We did that. And it’s probably a similar week coming up. We played well in the game against Hearts. That was a big plus for us and over the balance of play I think everyone agrees we should have won the game with the chances we created. It’s positive to go into a derby and perform so well.”

Did it feel like a statement display?

“I’m not so sure it was a statement. But we are in a better place with the lads we brought in in January. Bringing them in for the training camp would have been ideal but coming in a bit later and managing to get them minutes was important. I wasn’t surprised with the performance at Tynecastle. It’s building up the fitness and it’s probably the strongest the squad has looked in a while. But it was pleasing to go into a big game and perform like that.”

With all the stuff being thrown and the long wait for the penalty, what is it like in that moment?

“It’s weird. It literally doesn’t cross your mind when you’re playing even though I’m close to it. Both clubs don’t condone what went on. Some of the stuff thrown on could cause serious injury. It soured the fact that it was such a good atmosphere. The players love playing in it. The Edinburgh derby is huge and with the attendance from both sets of fans that the Old Firm doesn’t get it generates such an atmosphere. It’s hostile and good.

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"But there’s a line that was crossed on Wednesday. It’s difficult to manage. It’s not Hearts’ fault or the stewards’ fault that people are chucking things on. Luckily there were no injuries. Hopefully we can put an end to stuff like that because the last thing we want is to see fan attendances and that atmosphere affected in any way.”

You had a long chat with Shankland before the penalty - what were you saying?

“Initially I asked if he thought it was a penalty but he hadn’t seen it properly. Most of the players didn’t think it was. We weren’t sure what was going to happen. He never told me where he was putting it. He told me the last time he just decides spur of the moment so all that analysis days before was a waste of time!”

You're looking in good shape at the moment, how long do you think you have left?

“I don’t know. My contract is up in the summer and myself and the club will sit down in the summer to see where we are at. It’s the right thing to do. The club has to get the recruitment side right. There’s a big window coming up with the manager’s first summer window. I’ve a good relationship with him and the staff. It’s important we focus on the next few games, take stock in the summer and see where it goes.

Were you surprised to see Joe Hart to announce his retirement suddenly? Is that in your thoughts?

“You never know. We will take stock in the summer and make a decision then. With Joe it was and wasn’t a surprise. He has played at such a high level and won things down south. He’s played international football, done well at Celtic the last few years and I think he’d probably be getting to a stage now where he’d miss those nights. So I can understand someone who has played that level for so long. It does take a toll on you, physically and mentally. He has been fantastic and he will be hoping he can finish it off successfully.”

Craig Gordon just seems to keep going...

“He’s Benjamin Button, isn’t he? It has been good to see him back. He has played the cup games. I have had a few text conversations with him and he feels good. He has picked up some game time and with Hearts putting themselves in a good position he’ll probably get some more. It’s good for him and obviously he’ll try and push himself back forward for the national side as well."

It's not so unusual for keepers to play past 40 now, is it?

“It’s happening with sportsmen in general, the obvious one you look at is tennis and how long they go on. Goalkeepers have always gone on a bit longer but the training has changed a bit now, it’s not an intense as it was. The physios and nutrition and that side of it has come on leaps and bounds in the last few years. So it is no surprise to see top goalkeepers going on into their 40s now. He has kept himself fit, he has been unlucky with a couple of long term and serious injuries. But he’s been ready."

What do you want to achieve here before the summer?

“Well being at this club the cups are huge. We’re surrounded by pictures here of David Gray scoring the winning goal in 2016. And anyone that joins Hibs knows it’s a big thing. We obviously have a really tough draw in the next round. But winning a cup is something that every player here aims to do. I think a club as a whole, moving forward we need to be challenging for third place and doing so consistently. We’re all close, Hearts and Aberdeen are the exact same, that should be the long term aim for this club. It’s obviously going to be a stretch for us this season but going well in the cup and finishing in the European spots has to be the aim."

Are you excited about the investment coming into the club?

“As players we don’t know too much about it, it’s great for the club to have that investment to try and push forward. I don’t know if it will affect the budget playing wise or be more for the training facilities. But to get that investment is big and I sure it will improve the place and if it adds to the playing staff and allows the manager to add quality players that will be needed because I am sure there will be a lot of changes in the summer. We’re not too far away from competing for that third spot."

There's been talk of improvements to facilities, and adding an indoor pitch?

“It will help with the wind! We obviously have the smaller one but that’s not ideal for 11 v 11, that adds to it. To have that facility, everything else in the training ground is perfect, but especially in the harsher winter months it would be good to do the tactical stuff inside when it is blowing a gale in Tranent. I’m sure the investment is welcome and it can only be good for the club.”