The boss fielded a strong XI as his former teammate and current colleague at HTC emerged from the tunnel.

A recent car accident prevented him from suiting up again, but McGregor, one of 2016’s Scottish Cup heroes, delivered the match ball to a standing ovation from both sets of supporters.

Then it was all about the action on the pitch, and the first 20 minutes were relatively dull. Dylan Levitt did well to deny Bolton on the break, and he had a shot at goal at the other end as the visitors from England’s League One dominated the game. The right side of the Cadden brothers was required to get in front of a Bolton cross, nudging it onto the post before keeper Jordan Smith collected.

Cozier-Duberry fired a lovely effort from the right, cutting inside and shooting past Raphael Sallinger, who had replaced Smith in Hibs’ only half-time change as Grey attempted to get more minutes out of some of his players. Substitutions came quickly on both sides after the hour mark, as tensions in the stands rose slightly following Bolton’s opener.

There was then some time for Hibs to see their record signing, Thibault Klidje, who was given his first opportunity to impress fans off the bench after joining from Luzern. Good play by Elie. Youan set up Hoilett for a lovely volleyed effort that hit the crossbar.

Bolton had made it two in the dying minutes, with Jacob MacIntyre robbing in possession and Sharples-Ahmed adding the finishing touches. Here is how we rated the Hibernian players.