NICK MONTGOMERY claimed Harry McKirdy’s Hibs return meant way more than dropped points to Motherwell.
The Easter Road boss praised his side’s character after they salvaged a late draw against the Steelmen.
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Elie Youan’s 91st minute strike pegged back Well, who had led through Theo Bair and Bevis Mugabe after Youan had opened the scoring.
But for Monty McKirdy’s late five-minute cameo, the 26-year-old’s first action since undergoing major heart surgery earlier this season, was the real highlight.
He said: “We had three kids from the academy on at the end, and Harry McKirdy, who has come back from a life-threatening injury.
“To see that, some things are more important than football.
“Look, if people saw Harry and knew what he’d been through on a daily basis, it has been really emotional today.
“You’re talking about a kid who didn’t know if he’d play football again.
“He’s been up and down and had some real down periods.
“I’ve spoken to Harry nearly every day I’ve been at the club and he seemed a million miles away then the last few weeks he got a new lease of life.
“We’ve had him in the last few training sessions and he’s a real livewire.
“I probably didn’t want to put him on today for more than two minutes but needs must and he lifted the crowd.
“The energy when he came on, seeing him pressing people and with a smile on his face at the end.
“It was an amazing moment for him and it gives him a bit of confidence to get back into full training.
“And hopefully after the break be available to make an impact off the bench because I think that’s where we’ve really struggled this last couple of months.”
Montgomery is poised to add to his squad in the next few days with Leeds youngster Kris Moore set to join on loan.
He said: “As soon as there are players in, you’ll know. But we are looking across the country and overseas to find players who can help us.”
Motherwell boss Stuart Kettlewell was also disappointed to only take a point in Leith.
And given how dominant Hibs were early on he was thrilled with the response of his side.
He said: “There are loads of incidents in the game but I think we are one clearance away from three points.
“I think if young Georgie Gent– who’s been great for us – makes good contact with the ball we probably go and get the three points.
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“Hibs would of course be disappointed by that, but I think we’d put ourselves in a brilliant position and it’s bitterly disappointing to be sitting here with a point.
“But that said, if you look at the overall context of the game and where we’ve been, it’s probably not a bad one.”
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