Lee Johnson left admiring Hibs defensive work as he swoons 'if you could build a centre half you’d build Will Fish'

Hibs boss Lee Johnson saluted his side’s professionalism as they swept 10-man Kilmarnock aside to go fourth in the table.

A thumping header from Will Fish seized the initiative for the Easter Road men early on as they eased to a sixth league game without defeat. A strike just a minute into the second half from sub Matthew Hoppe gave Johnson’s men a cushion. And a straight red card for striker Kyle Vassell in the 66th minute after the intervention of VAR following a high boot on Marijan Cabraja crushed Kilmarnock’s hopes.

Johnson claims Hibs are a team in transition but he reckons the clean sheet – their third in four games – is proof they are on the up. He said: “I was delighted with a very professional performance throughout. First half we were fluid, with lovely combination play. I was disappointed not to be more than a goal up and that became the half-time conversation, the second-half threat. We limited them to not many opportunities and had a fair few ourselves. We still defended well. I know there were a couple sort of cleared off the line – the clean sheets are so important.

“Six, seven weeks ago we were conceding three a game. A lot of work and a few signings has enabled us to keep more clean sheets.

"It’s a team still in transition, they’ve got to put on performances like that at home. I really enjoyed it from a tactical point of view – credit to the boys for that.”

VAR was involved for the first time in the 10th minute when Hibs appealed for a handball as Cabraja’s shot was blocked. At the other end, David Marshall denied defender Chris Stokes’ headed effort.

Hibs snatched the lead after just 15 minutes with a simple goal. Aiden McGeady, who looks set for another spell out after going off with a hamstring