Hibs boss Gray reveals what he wants from goal-hungry attacker ahead of Hearts clash

Hibernian head coach David Gray has pinpointed one attacking outlet he believes could be decisive when Hearts arrive at Easter Road, insisting that Nicky Cadden is edging closer to opening his goal account for the campaign. Gray is confident that if Hibs can consistently get the wingback into dangerous positions, the goals will follow.

The Edinburgh derby comes with added intrigue this time around, with Derek McInnes bringing his Hearts side across the city sitting top of the Premiership table. The Jambos already have derby bragging rights this season after edging out Hibs 1-0 at Tynecastle in October, a match Cadden watched from the bench as he continued his recovery from injury.

Now back in contention after overcoming another setback, this time a calf issue, Cadden looks ready to play a much bigger role. His performance in Hibs’ hard-fought 1-1 draw away to Dundee United at Tannadice underlined his importance to Gray’s system and suggested he is building momentum at just the right time.

Gray believes the key to unlocking Cadden’s attacking output is simple: get him closer to goal more often. Despite yet to score this season, the Hibs boss feels the numbers will come once the left wingback is regularly operating in the final third and getting chances to test opposition goalkeepers.

Against Dundee United, Cadden showed exactly what he can bring. His energy down the flank, willingness to drive forward, and quality delivery caused consistent problems, earning widespread praise. Former Hearts winger Neil McCann was among those impressed, memorably describing Cadden as having “thunder in his boots” after an eye-catching display.

That performance has only strengthened Gray’s belief that Cadden is “due” a goal. The Hibs manager sees him as a player whose contribution goes beyond goals and assists, but admits that adding end product would elevate both the player and the team as they look to climb the table and reassert themselves in big fixtures.

The challenge against Hearts will be significant. McInnes’ side arrive full of confidence after recent results and with the added motivation of maintaining their position at the summit. Their victory in the first derby of the season still lingers, and Hibs will be keen to respond in front of their own supporters.

For Cadden, the Easter Road clash represents an opportunity to make a traditional derby impact. Fully fit and finding rhythm again, he now has the chance to turn promising performances into tangible reward. Gray is convinced that once the first goal arrives, more will follow.

As the league leaders make the short journey from Tynecastle, all eyes will be on whether Hibs can harness Cadden’s attacking threat and whether the wingback can deliver the moment that swings the derby in the home side’s favour.