Manchester United's loanee, Will Fish got on the scoresheet for Hibernian as they won at Easter Road against Saint Mirren to continue their race for a spot in Europe next season.
Prior to Will Fish's back post header giving Hibs a two-goal lead, Elie Youan fully capitalized on an early St Mirren error.
Alex Greive pulled one back for the visitors, but it was too little, too late as Hibs had moved up to fifth place with a three-point lead and a superior goal differential.
Additionally, Lee Johnson's team is now only one point behind Hearts, an Edinburgh rival with a game remaining.
If Celtic defeats Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Cup final, fifth place would also qualify for the Europa League together with the top four teams in the Premier League.
It may be a journey to Braga, Baku, or Bratislava, but it might end up being a Europa Conference League qualifier. So there can be no doubt that this was a crucial game for both teams.
It appeared as though Hibs were the only ones who realized it for the first 45 minutes. Similar to how they had dominated in their 3-0 demolition of St. Mirren in October, they dominated.
Youan gave them the lead after just three minutes. After receiving a throw, Marcus Fraser misunderstood the position and sent his clearing clattering right into the Frenchman, who sped by and finished coolly.
The second was as straightforward. An unidentified Fish nodded in response to a corner that was whipped to the front post and rebounded all the way to the back.
Hibs had numerous opportunities to end the game. Before switching places in the second half, Chris Cadden missed a Kevin Nisbet cross, and the Scotland striker blasted over after Cadden's cut-back. Josh Campbell also came very close twice.
St. Mirren required an answer, and they received one. Curtis Main slashed into David Marshall's arms from three yards away, but when Greive ran free through and stabbed a poor effort under him, the keeper was less of a brick wall and more of an open door.
The visitors made every effort to score an equalizer despite only having one goal in it. When young Lewis Jamieson shot inches wide, they would only get as near as the side netting.
Although there are still four games left, Hibs are presently in the lead in the battle for a top-five spot.
Will Fish future
Will Fish is amongst the few youngsters who have had a wonderful campaign away from Manchester United.
After being concerned that his loan move from United might not go as planned, Will Fish is happy to have established himself as a stalwart for Hibernian over the past several months.
To expand his experience to first-team football, the 20-year-old center back signed a season-long contract with the Easter Road club in the summer of last year.
Fish had to wait until January to get his first start because Bushiri, Porteous, and Hanlon were all ahead of him in the pecking order. When he did, it was a disaster as he was played out of position at right-back and was substituted at halftime in a 3-0 loss against city rivals Hearts.
However, Fish was given the opportunity to start each of Hibs' final 11 games after Porteous was sold to Watford and Bushiri suffered a catastrophic injury.
“You have doubts, but I always had the backing of the staff,” he said when asked if he feared his move to Hibs was not working out. “They were always in dialogue with me and they said I would get my chance and they’ve stuck to their word.
“In football, you have to get a bit of luck. Porto left and Rocky got injured and I managed to get my chance, and I’ve done alright. The more games you play, the more experience you get and you feel more confident."
“I’ve enjoyed my time here massively. I’ve had some bumps along the road but I feel like I’ve come out the other side better for it. I’ve really enjoyed it and I owe a lot to Hibs for giving me this chance.”
Fish has only played in three first-team games prior to joining Hibs, one for home club United as a substitute and two for Stockport while on loan there last season. In light of this, the 20-year-old has been appreciative of the 33-year-old Hanlon's assistance in directing him at Easter Road.
"Paul’s been great,” Fish said ahead of Saturday’s match at home to St Mirren. “You couldn’t ask for a better centre-half partner for my first few games in men’s football. On and off the pitch, he’s great.
“He helps me through the games and we discuss things together. He’s a top lad.”
Despite having a contract with United through 2025, Fish is anticipated to return to a loan after this one.
“I don’t know,” he said when asked if he will return to Hibs. “I’m just focusing on the next five games and then we can take it from there and see what happens.
“I’ve still got time on my contract but I think everyone is on the same page that I need to go out and play men’s football again (next season) so that will be the plan.”
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