Hibs boss David Gray shrugged off a pre-season defeat in Dublin, labelling the match an “excellent run-out” as preparations for the new season heat up.

Luke O’Regan’s first-half strike gave League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers a 1-0 victory over Hibs, but the exercise allowed Gray to offer minutes to youngsters Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie, Josh McDonald, Joseph McGrath and Jacob MacIntyre.

Speaking to Hibs media team at full-time, the manager saw the positives in a physical game.

“We probably looked like a team that’s been working hard in the last seven days versus a team that has been playing together probably for the last three or four months and is up to speed.

“There were no severe injuries but a few bumps and bruises because it was a physical game, but it was a really good test and that’s exactly what we needed at this stage of pre-season.

“Of course we’re disappointed to lose the game, as there was no such thing as a friendly, and I just said that to the boys as well, and the players know that, but it is about the minutes in the legs at this stage of the season.”

Gray praised the travelling support, with over 1,500 supporters making the trip to the Tallaght Stadium.

“It didn’t surprise me, and it was an excellent support as always.”

“I’m disappointed they never saw a goal or anything like that tonight, and that would be the one thing we would say from our point of view.”

The head coach was also able to confirm positive news on the longterm absence of Rudi Molotnikov, who has slowly integrated into training sessions.

“He’s trained fully with the international boys, the smaller group this morning, and came through that, which is excellent, and by the end of the week, he’ll be fully integrated into training, which is excellent for him,” Gray explained.

“We probably won’t see him play this weekend [against Cliftonville]. It’s a bit soon for that, but it’s really good to have him around the group again, and he’ll benefit from a real strong pre-season now.”