Dylan Vente was misused at Hibs and he could yet have a huge part to play - Tam McManus

Hibs only made one signing in the January window while at least four players left for good - but they’ve still come out the window stronger than they went in.

And that’s because they’ve managed to clear out a good whack of the deadwood that was cluttering up the dressing room doing nothing and more importantly soaking up too much of David Gray’s wage budget. Gray’s squad coming into January was as bloated as my belly after a month-long festive binge. But unlike my gut it’s been streamlined thanks to an efficient month of trimming the fat.

Hibs have been guilty in the past of just signing bodies to appease fans but they have resisted that. David Gray now has a tight-knit group that is on an upward trajectory towards the Euro spots. The addition of Alasana Manneh in the middle of the park is exciting and they’ve managed to hold onto Elie Youan. Releasing Harry McKirdy, Luke Amos and Jake Doyle-Hayes makes good sense while Nohan Kenneh’s loan to Ross County will spell the end of his time at Hibs too.

I’m happy Youan stayed after Stoke reportedly failed with a seven-figure bid.

The Frenchman gives you another option out wide or up front and along with Martin Boyle he is the only one who threatens in behind with pace. I still reckon he’ll be away in the summer if the right bid comes in but for now he can be a massive player as Hibs go after a Euro spot and a Scottish Cup run.

Youan’s not the only player who has an interesting summer ahead though. One man who has almost been forgotten about could well be as important as any new signing. Dylan Vente. The Dutchman just can’t stop scoring goals right now on loan at PEC Zwolle which has really given Gray some food for thought.

Vente has struck six times in his last five games in