Hibs boss delivers World Cup verdict on Scotland hopeful Bowie – and hails ‘professional’ win over Dundee
Hibs boss delivers World Cup verdict on Scotland hopeful Bowie – and hails ‘professional’ win over Dundee.
Do a goal and an assist put the former Fulham and Raith forward back on Steve Clarke’s radar? Hibs manager David Grey feels the “carrot” of a spot in Scotland’s World Cup squad is already motivating Kieron Bowie to rekindle his early-season scoring form.
And the Easter Road manager believes there is still much more to come from a striker who ended a nine-game scoring drought in today’s “professional” home triumph over Dundee. Bowie scored and assisted as Hibs won 2-0 to maintain their third-place position in the Scottish Premiership.
The 23-year-old was left out of Steve Clarke’s team for the last qualifiers against Greece and Denmark, but he was in Scotland’s squad as recently as last month.
Scotland already has a definite spot in next summer’s finals in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, so the incentive is apparent.
Grey also revealed that he didn’t have much to say about the international scene following the expulsion of the former Scotland Under-21 standout.
“That was a really easy conversation for me and Kieron,” claimed Hibs’ manager. “Kieron understands this personally.
“I have consistently stated that Kieron has much more to come.” He exploded onto the scene this season, and people praised him for his performance.
And rightfully so. He was playing at a very high level. He is still young. He is 23 years old. He still has a lot of room for improvement. And performances like today are what he needs to put in as often as possible. Scoring goals has an impact on the game.
“And for all the young players in Scotland, there is now the carrot of what may happen at the end of the season if you perform well for your clubs – international football and the World Cup. “So he’ll definitely profit from that.
But he’s also a really hard-working, humble youngster who understands that he has a long way to go and a long trip ahead of him before he can even consider his next move.”
Wonder goal in front of watching Scotland boss
Bowie recovered from an injury-plagued first season at Hibs to start the current season in a blaze of glory, scoring goals – including a miraculous strike against Partizan in front of a stunned Clarke – and dominating defenders.
However, he had not scored since September 13 before opening his team’s account yesterday.
Grey claimed that he reassured the former Raith and Fulham forward during the goalless streak, saying: “Strikers acquire confidence from scoring goals, obviously. But I’ve had a lot of discussions with Kieran recently about what he does for the team.
“So it isn’t only about scoring goals. I know that’s what attackers are often judged on. He undertakes unselfish labour for the team, which the players profit from.
However, this will undoubtedly boost his self-esteem. Especially, the chance he actually takes is quite difficult.
“He creates it himself, adding a personal touch and finish.” Following a sad missed opportunity, the true good for me is that he is putting himself in position again.
That is the most crucial thing. It’s fine if you miss one. You keep putting yourself out there; opportunities will continue to present themselves. So, delighted for him and he can hopefully now kick on from there.”
Hibs maintain place in table
Grey reflected on the win, which put Hibs third in the table after the first leg of a three-game week, saying: “I believe it was a very professional performance – 2-0, clean sheet at home, three points.
From that perspective, the job is done. Especially considering the week certain guys have experienced.” When you look at it, and I never use this as an excuse, gamers come from all over the world.
Some players have had highs this week, motivating them to try again. I believe that was a truly professional performance.
“I believe that if we had taken a couple of chances earlier in the game, we could have had a more comfortable ending. Despite a 2-0 lead, the opposition had numerous chances.
We have been in that position before this season. And the next aim, if it comes, is really crucial. Fortunately, Rafa (Sallinger) makes a crucial save at the right time.
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