David Gray hails ‘great professional’ Darren McGregor after Hibs see off Saints

Hibernian caretaker David Gray paid tribute to Darren McGregor after the long-serving defender played what may have been his last game for the club in Sunday’s 4-0 win at home to St Johnstone.

The 36-year-old, who in 2016 won the Scottish Cup with the team he supported as a boy, still has a year left on his deal but has not played much this term and is resigned to the likelihood that he will not be part of things next term as the Easter Road side prepare to appoint a new manager.

McGregor was handed the captaincy as he made his first start since December in the final game of his seventh season at the club.

“It wasn’t just sentimental reasons that he played today,” said Gray. “He played because after Tuesday night (a 3-1 defeat at Dundee), in terms of the reaction we needed, I knew I’d have someone I could trust, who cares about the club immensely.

“He’s had nothing but success since he’s been here, he’s a great professional. You don’t play as many games as he has, to the age he’s at, without looking after yourself and doing everything right. He’s a leader and he’s an example to the young ones. He’s dealt with challenges his whole career.

“He’s been huge for Hibs. He’s been part of a hugely successful period. He joined in my second year (in 2015) and we won the Scottish Cup, then went on to win promotion, then had a record points tally in the SPFL, and has played his part in semi-finals and finals. First, it’s because he’s a top player, secondly, his attitude and his determination and work rate, and, thirdly, he really cares about the football club.”

On-loan Hull forward James Scott scored a hat-trick against Saints and Gray admits he has no idea if the 21-year-old will return to Easter Road next term.

“That’s a question