The unsung Hibs hero who inspired famous Hearts win just 24 hours after getting out of hospital

Dwight Gayle may have struck the goal that saw Hibs party in Gorgie for the first time in five years. But Josh Campbell has lifted the lid on the unseen Hibee hero who inspired David Gray’s side to a derby victory for the ages.

Much-loved kitman Gavin Gillies fell seriously ill while undergoing surgery in the lead up to Christmas. The jack of all trades has been lighting up Hibs Training Centre since Campbell first walked through its doors 17 years ago. Gillies’ absence was sorely missed in the build-up to the 2-1 Boxing Day win. But he pulled through and was able to leave hospital on Christmas Day.

Twenty-four hours later he was standing at Tynecastle’s away dressing room door – and inspiring his team to a victory that will go down in legend. For Campbell, whose header deflected in off Kye Rowles for Hibs’ opener, it was a first derby win on enemy territory. And as he soaked up the adulation afterwards, the 24-year-old took time to pay tribute to the behind-the-scenes hero.

The midfielder said: “For a Hibs fan, winning there, my first time winning there... amazing! It’s incredible. Seeing the supporters singing your name, it’s just the best feeling in the world. I’m just going to give a shout out to wee Gav who fell really ill last week.

“All the boys were behind him that he would be there on Thursday. And he was there. He got the win. He got the boys through it. I’ve been at Hibs for 16, 17 years. He was there the first day I was there, welcoming me in. And he’s a really big character at the training ground, that man.

“If you come in from a defeat at the weekend then he will lift the spirits right away. Whether he’s singing, whether he’s dancing, bad jokes.

“I’ve heard all the jokes so I just sit and ignore them. But