Molotnikov shined as Hibs cruised past Queen’s Park at Easter Road.
Hibs head coach David Gray heaped praise on teenager Rudi Molotnikov after he netted his first senior goal in the 5-1 Premier Sports Cup victory over Queen’s Park.
The 18-year-old, typically a No. 10, played on the left wing as he did against Elgin City last weekend, giving Spiders’ new right-back Cammy Kerr a tough night. Molotnikov showed impressive composure to score the third goal in the dominant match at Easter Road, putting Hibs in a strong position to qualify for the last 16 of the competition.
“He was excellent,” Gray said of Molotnikov’s performance. “This is the second time he has been a real bright spark. He showed his quality, pace, and power. He was around the first team last season, but he has really seized his chance this year. He needs to keep working hard, but he is doing really well at the moment.
“He has the physicality to hold off opponents, he’s making an impact in training, and now he’s affecting games, which is great. He’s enjoying himself, playing with a smile on his face. He has a good team supporting him every day. He’s just enjoying being on the pitch and making the most of his opportunities.”
There was concern for substitute Elie Youan, who limped off in stoppage-time after a collision with Queen’s Park keeper Calum Ferrie. “It’s one of those late-match situations where, as a coach, you don’t need to push it,” Gray added. “But he was brave to go for it. Fingers crossed it’s just a dead leg from the collision and hopefully, he will be alright.”
Gray also explained his decision to move the dugout to the left side of the main stand. “It’s something I’ve noticed since I’ve been at the club,” he said. “Everything we do is on the left side of the building. We warm up there, and the subs go down that side. I wanted to see what it was like – if we’d lost tonight, we might have gone back the other way!”
Meanwhile, Fulham striker Kieron Bowie has emerged as a potential transfer target for Hibs. The Easter Road club, along with other Premiership teams, have been alerted to the availability of the Scotland Under-21 forward. The 21-year-old former Raith player has spent the past two years on loan at Northampton Town.