Hibs star detects shift in mood but knows club need more than applause to reach 'wonderful' utopia

A 2-1 defeat by Premiership leaders Celtic at Easter Road brought little reward for their efforts, yet the midfielder reckons there were enough encouraging elements to suggest that the work being done on the training ground is beginning to translate onto the pitch.

While identifying grounds for optimism and a clearer understanding of the style of football Reedijk wants to implement, Chaiwa has urged his team-mates to cut out the costly errors that continue to undermine their efforts to climb away from the foot of the table.

Those signs of progress will face a stern examination over the coming week, with a league meeting at St Mirren on Wednesday followed four days later by an Edinburgh derby against Hearts in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden.

For a club in urgent need of a change in fortunes, the two fixtures offer Hibs a timely opportunity to turn incremental progress into points.

“We see some positives, real positives, in the direction we are heading,” Chaiwa declared. “As a team, we are trying to stick together each and every time, but we need to cut out the mistakes that led to the two goals.”

The distinction between encouraging displays and tangible results is becoming increasingly important for the Leith club. There have been indications that Hibs are more assured in possession under Reedijk, but that progress will count for little if individual mistakes continue to hand opponents decisive opportunities, such as the one presented to Celtic striker Camilo Duran.

Chaiwa nevertheless detected a positive shift in mood among the Easter Road support, with the players’ reception at the final whistle suggesting that, despite another narrow defeat, their efforts and performance hadn’t gone unnoticed. The 22-year-old was keen to acknowledge that backing, viewing it as a sign that fans are beginning to recognise the squad’s progress at a challenging juncture in the season.

“I think it is a reflection of what we are trying to do,” Chaiwa stated. “Even in the pre-match meeting, the gaffer spoke about what he is trying to build at this club, and it is a really, really wonderful thing.

“He wants me to be courageous and always in control of the ball, so I really appreciate the fans for giving us that applause. There is a clear identity developing within the team because what the gaffer wants us to do is starting to happen on the pitch.”

Hibs cannot afford to let signs of progress become an end in itself. Their precarious league position demands greater consistency, placing added significance on their midweek trip to Paisley before the pressure and intensity of the derby against their capital rivals.

Chaiwa insists the squad are already looking ahead rather than dwelling on the disappointment against Celtic. “It’s done and dusted. We just need to take the positives, because we have a big game against St Mirren, so we need to be fully focused and not repeat the mistakes we made [on Sunday],” he added. “We are trying to stick together and remain positive as a group. I know it has been a really, really tough period for this club.”

Asked whether the team were close to turning their progress into wins, the Zambian’s answer was unequivocal: “Yeah, definitely.”

That conviction will need to be borne out on the pitch. With a crucial week ahead, Hibs have little margin for error, and the outcomes of their next two matches could prove instrumental in determining the trajectory of their season.

Get our daily football newsletter by clicking here