David Gray insists Hibernian are 'still working hard' on recruitment ahead of Friday's 11pm transfer window deadline. 

The Scottish Premiership side have already brought in nine new players but remain keen to add to their squad, with a centre-back and midfielder top of the wishlist, while there could also be further outgoings as Gray and sporting director Malky Mackay attempt to trim a still-bloated squad.

"We are still working hard; if there's anything to be done that can make us better then we'll look to do it. At the same time, I'm delighted with the work we've already done and the players we've brought in but while this window is still open and there's still the potential for ins and outs, we're trying to be as active as possible and making sure we do everything we possibly can. If we can strengthen we'll try to and if not, I'm delighted with what we have," Gray said, speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's trip to Kilmarnock. 

Luke McCowan is a player Hibs would be keen to add to their ranks before the cut-off point but Gray wouldn't be drawn on whether any deals were nearing completion for either arrivals or departures - and sidestepped the inevitable questions about links with the Dundee player.

"I’m not going to talk about any individuals; Luke is a Dundee player and continues to be and that’s where we are with that one," the Easter Road boss stated. 

"Numerous conversations are happening all the time and it's changing all the time, so we're just being proactive and working hard. If something comes up, or something comes up for any of our players that we’re not expecting - because we’ve got a lot of very good players in this squad who will attract attention and that works across the board with every club - then we'll see."

Meanwhile, Gray confirmed that midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes, who hasn't featured in a competitive game for over 12 months, is fit but not match-fit. 

"Jake is fit. The whole squad is fit, if not match-fit - there's a big difference between the two - but we've got no real injury concerns; everybody is on the grass every day now and Jake is just catching up on fitness. He's just not quite there yet and there are players in front of him just now who are available."

The head coach stopped short of providing an estimate for when the Irishman might be ready for a return to first-team action but praised the player's attitude as he seeks to bring an end to the injury concerns that have dogged him for the last 18 months. 

"Jake has had a difficult time with injuries but we're constantly speaking to see where he's at and he's working as hard as he can to get himself fit and at the right levels. He's getting fitter and stronger every day, and he has a good attitude towards it. But I don't want to put a timescale on when he could be available, it will depend on how things progress," Gray added.