Rueful Nectar Triantis was convinced he'd capped an impressive second Hibs debut with a goal of the season contender.

The Australian, back on loan from Sunderland, was denied an incredible moment at Rugby Park on Sunday, powering past four Kilmarnock players from the halfway line and crashing a thunderous effort off the bar. Had it snuck under the woodwork, David Gray's side would have taken a likely unassailable two-goal lead to claim their first three Premiership points of the season.

Instead, they were undone by a late equaliser for the second week running, with Jordan Obita bringing down Bruce Anderson in the 90th minute and the forward tucking away the resulting penalty with aplomb. But while Triantis is frustrated by the result, he's delighted to be back at a club and city where he spent six months across the latter half of last season.

“It feels good to be back. I enjoyed playing, I like Edinburgh, I like the club, I like the fans. So no complaints!" said the 21-year-old.  “I only joined a few days ago, so it was a bit of a chaotic I'd say. But I felt good out there in the game. Most of the boys are here from last season, so I just picked up from where I left off. We were a bit unfortunate to get the draw, but I thought we looked good in moments. If we can just tidy up a little bit, I think we've got a strong team.

“I thought I’d scored when I hit the bar. I really wish that had gone in. I’ll have to try again next time! I don’t go on many runs like that, no. But I think I will do now, as it almost paid off! I felt good out there on a personal level. So I was pleased, but in the end it's about the team performance. I’m just frustrated that we couldn't get the result.

As Triantis headed north on deadline day, Hibs were keen to stress he was being brought in as a midfielder, not a centre-back as he was in January. The former Central Coast Mariners youth had underwhelmed as part of the back four last term, yet looked so comfortable playing just in front of it. Triantis is keen to continue that form, with Sunday a positive start, and believes he's primed to hit the ground running second time around.

I think it's good that I'm versatile, but I think my strong point heading into this season will be in midfield," he said. "I think you can say that I'm comfortable carrying the ball. I also have those defensive traits, so I think it's a real positive for not only myself, but the team.

Read more:

“It helps that I played here last season. I think you saw last season, I had a bit of a slow start when I came here in January but I think I took that time to adapt. I think this season I can hit the ground running and have those positive performances. It was hard last season. It's just a different brand of football, I think. In each respective country it has its own style and so does Scotland. I think every player has the time to adapt, but I think now I've passed that and I'm just looking forward.

“Playing in England and Australia, every league and country has its own style. I think Scottish football is very physical, very fast-paced and has very talented players. In each country. it has a top division and you have to respect that.
“There are top players in each team and you do have to deal with them and win those individual battles. For myself, I do like a battle – I like a physical battle in the middle of the park, so I think the league does suit me. I think I just had to have that time to get going. I wouldn't say that physicality is a typically Australian thing. I think it's just about the person. And the person I am, you either have it or you don't."