Dwight Gayle names the 'big thing' that could see Hibs star put retirement on hold

Dwight Gayle says creating great goalscoring memories for his young children is a big motivation in his Hibs career.

The veteran striker talked retirement in recent weeks but has hit a rich vein of form with three goals in four games. And netting in front of kids Indie, Denver and Oakley at St Johnstone on Thursday continued the feel-good factor. They’re back down south but will be tuning in for more of deadly dad in today’s TV game against Rangers at Easter Road. The 35-year-old has hinted that thoughts about hanging up his boots in the summer might need revisited. At the heart is the enjoyment he’s bringing to his nearest and dearest by performing in big games in the Scottish top flight.

“One of the big things is my kids,” said Gayle. “For them to be able to come to experience their dad playing is a big thing. So it makes it a bit more special to be able to score some goals in front of them. They’re seven, six and three – so at the remembering age now. Hopefully I’m doing not too badly for them and they think their dad’s OK.

“They were in with the fans. I was looking for them but didn’t see them. I was waving in anticipation that they’d see me.

“I’ve other family coming up to the Rangers game. So hopefully they bring some good luck for us. It has been fantastic to get the chance to play against these teams. It’s one of the big reasons I wanted to come up here and experience it. I’ve loved every minute of it – and long may that continue.”

Gayle debuted against Rangers at Ibrox in a 1-0 September defeat. That was the former £10million striker’s first competitive outing since March in League One with Derby County. But he has gradually come to the boil along with a Hibees squad that has been rejuvenated since the last week