Doyle-Hayes ready to put injury woes behind him

Jake Doyle-Hayes is ready to fight for a starting spot at Hibs after a difficult spell with injuries.

The 25-year-old made his first appearance in over a year on Sunday, coming off the bench in the 1-1 draw with Hearts.

Doyle-Hayes has been plagued by injuries and set-backs over the last 14 months but is finally back in contention for the Easter Road club.

Hibs manager David Gray insists he had no fears about the midfielder making his return in such a high-pressure game.

"It's been a difficult time for him," the manager said

"Frustration with injuries and challenges that we've had, but he's worked hard to get back in there.

"It's good to see him back on the pitch, obviously, and then the magnitude of the game and everything else just shows you that I had no concerns about him coming on.

"With the quality he's got, how well he's trained and his attitude every single day, I think he's someone that – as well as the players we've already got in the middle of the pitch – adds real strength and depth and quality and competition for places.

"He's going to work as hard as he can to try and get in the team because there is a lot of competition in there as well."