Gray on 'model professional' Gayle, seeking consistency & Pittodrie test

Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media before his side's Scottish Premiership match against Aberdeen.

• Gray says striker Dwight Gayle - who intends to retire at the end of the season - has been a "model professional" since joining Hibs.

• He adds: "We are never going to be able to play him 90 minutes every week. He knew that and we knew that when we signed him. He is already a massive influence in the dressing room in the way he trains and he is a character."

• Gray cited the draw with Aberdeen a couple of weeks ago as a "turning point" in the season so far.

• However, he is "seeking more consistency" in the second half of the campaign as Hibs look to add distance between themselves and the relegation zone.

• With the Edinburgh derby looming on Boxing Day, Gray is fully focused on Aberdeen and "ensuring we have the mentality to go up there and win the game".

• There is no fresh injury concerns for the Pittodrie trip. Striker Mykola Kuharevich could be fit to face Hearts.