Striker scores and assists as David Gray’s side maintains third position in the Scottish Premiership.

Kieron Bowie’s case for selection in the Scotland World Cup squad next summer goes beyond a single game against a weak Scottish Premiership side. But we can consider this a reminder of what he has to give.

At the end of a seismic week for the national team, Bowie – who had been withdrawn for the pivotal double-header but was one of Clarke’s select few as recently as October – scored and assisted as Hibs retained their third-place lead with a comfortable win against Dundee at Easter Road.

His first goal in ten games, combined with a Jamie McGrath finish, gave David Gray’s team complete control of the game.

On a day when Scotland star Grant Hanley glided through proceedings and international aspirant Josh Mulligan outperformed his former team, plenty of green and white stood out. But none more so than Bowie, who was invigorated and effective from the start here.

Hibs managed to obtain a few early touches in the opposition box against a Dundee side who switched from their usual shape to a 4-5-1 style aimed to pull their hosts into a congested midfield battle, after a promising first 10 minutes.

But they were just a little shot shy when it counted, with too many players seeking to set up a teammate rather than taking responsibility for their own goals.

Bowie also had a golden opportunity with a quarter of an hour remaining, headed Josh Mulligan’s cross over from practically beneath the crossbar. However, the massive No. 9 more than compensated with a true quality finish to put Hibs ahead shortly before the half-hour mark.

His initial touch, turn, and low left-footed strike was the perfect way to cap a wonderful run of sustained possession – and a sweeping move that saw Dan Barlaser alter play with a magnificent cross-field ball to Nicky Cadden, whose cut-back gave Bowie the chance to show off his full range of skills.