BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
FLORIAN KAMBERI reckons his strike-pairing with Jamie Maclaren has all the makings of a potent partnership after the duo tormented Aberdeen.
Hibernian’s January loan signings started together in attack for the first time against the Dons, with Kamberi continuing his hugely impressive beginning to life in Scotland with a second goal in three outings.
Australian internationalist Maclaren was left to rue to form of visiting goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who denied him on three occasions to keep the scoreline at a relatively respectable 2-0 despite Derek McInnes admitting his side had been ‘murdered’.
They also dovetailed nicely after Maclaren came on as a substitute in Hibs’ 2-1 win against Rangers earlier this month to net the winner from the penalty spot.
And Kamberi insists their understanding is already flowing ahead of this weekend’s visit to in-form Kilmarnock.
“I think there were signs at Ibrox that we could play well together and during training we have shown some really good combinations together,” said the former Switzerland under-21 cap.
“I’m really pleased to play with him, we already know how the other guy runs and how to make space for each other so I really hope it can continue like this.
“He [Maclaren] had chances to score himself, of course, but he made opportunities for other people and did such good work for the team – and we won, so everything is good!
“Normally, we could have scored four or five goals in that match but, after winning 2-0, who cares?”
Kamberi, meanwhile, has wasted no time in adding the physicality and presence that Hibs head coach Neil Lennon has been searching for since the departure of Grant Holt last summer.
Indeed, the towering striker is relishing the rough-and-tumble of life in the SPFL.
“I’m really enjoying the style of play and that is why I came to Scotland,” Kamberi continued. “I like the tackles and battles with defenders, I like to play football too – not just long balls – so I’m happy to be here and to be part of this team.
“It is always nice to start like I have, I’m happy to have scored, but I am even more delighted that in all three matches I have played the team has won.
“I don’t want to put pressure on myself, I won’t look too far in the future and I will always give my best for the team, try to score and help the team win as many matches as possible.”
The only downside to the display against the Dons – hailed as Hibs’ finest of the season by Lennon – was their wastefulness as they carved the visitors open time and time again, registering 17 shots with 11 on target.
“That is the only thing we have to do better in the next game – to turn our chances into goals,” Kamberi told Hibs TV. “On Saturday, we had 17 shots, but in our next match we might only have two or three so in that case we need to finish better.”
