David Gray says multiple factors have influenced frequent rotation in his Hibs midfield.

The head coach has used no fewer than nine different starting combinations in the middle of the pitch so far this season, alternating between two sitting midfielders with a number 10, and one sitter with two more advanced number eights. Players have flitted in and out, with the likes of Josh Campbell among those to begin the season in the starting XI before dropping out, only to return in the weekend defeat to Dundee.

Dylan Levitt and Nathan Moriah-Welsh have made one start each, while Campbell, Junior Hoilett and Rudi Molotnikov have all occupied the 10 role in various games.

  • St Mirren (A): Newell, Moriah-Welsh, Campbell.
  • Celtic (H): Newell, Levitt, Campbell.
  • Dundee (H): Newell, Kwon, Molotnikov.
  • Kilmarnock (A): Triantis, Newell, Kwon.
  • St Johnstone (H): Triantis, Kwon, Molotnikov.
  • Rangers (A): Triantis, Kwon, Campbell.
  • Motherwell (H): Triantis, Kwon, Campbell.
  • Dundee United (A): Newell, Kwon, Molotnikov.
  • Hearts (H): Triantis, Kwon, Hoilett.
  • Ross County (A): Triantis, Newell, Hoilett.
  • Dundee United (H): Triantis, Newell, Kwon.
  • St Mirren (H): Triantis, Newell, Kwon.
  • Dundee (A): Triantis, Newell, Campbell.

It's been an area of the pitch, not unlike in the forward positions, where Hibs haven't had a consistent shape or selection. Joe Newell, Nectar Triantis and Hyeok-kyu Kwon have made nine starts each, with Campbell next on five, and Molotnikov (not counting when he's played wide) with three.

Gray says there's been various factors, including the impact of injuries and suspensions (Newell has missed out through both). Asked if he was opting for a frequent rotation policy in midfield, or still searching for the right balance, Gray explained: "A bit of both, probably. As you've touched on there - players joining at different stages, suspensions and injuries. We're probably at a point now where you have got everybody fully fit and ready, and there's competition there in that area - a lot of competition when you think about players who have been here for a few years as well as the signings we made in the summer.

Read more:

"We've got a lot of strength and depth in that area and it's probably there's nobody guaranteed to play. I think that's probably why when you're not winning games you need to be performing and you need to be at that level, so I think it's a healthy thing if everybody's got competition for places and that's what we need to do in the training pitch every day you've got the opportunity to try and get in the team."