Gray on Cadden award, Bushiri contract & overcoming 'adversity'

Hibs boss David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Motherwell this weekend.

Here are the main points:

• Gray is delighted Nicky Cadden won Premiership player of the month for December, saying it was "fully deserved" and "he's still got a ceiling, he can go higher".

• On Rocky Bushiri, whose deal expires this summer, Gray says the defender is a "great example" of putting in "the best level of performance" regardless of when you're contract ends.

• The head coach is "sure" there will be movement at Easter Road during the transfer window but stresses they'll be in a better position with players returning from injury as January progresses.

• But Gray says: "If someone with that X factor comes along and the club wants to support us on that would be great."

• Elie Youan is days away from a return, despite a setback. Kieron Bowie and Mykola Kukharevych are both back in full training but won't be available for the weekend. Joe Newell is still a few weeks away, as is Marvin Ekpiteta who is unlikely to be back before the end of the month.

• The Hibs boss is pleased with how his side overcame "real adversity" at the start of the season and are fully focused on the top-six spots, adding "everything we set out at the start of the season is still achievable".

• On the challenge of Motherwell, Gray his side are "in a different place" compared to the first meeting this season but knows the Steelmen "are above us in the league for a reason".