Hibernian boss John Hughes was delighted that it was striker Colin Nish who bagged the vital goals that got the Easter Road side into Europe.
Nish, who scored a hat-trick in his side's midweek 6-6 draw with Motherwell, netted twice as the Hibees ran out 2-0 winners over an under-strength Dundee United to pip Well for fourth spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League and a place in next season's Europa League. Nish apologised last week after hitting out at the Hibernian fans for their criticism of Hughes in the wake of his side's Edinburgh derby to Hearts.
"A week ago he made a flippant remark. It was stupid of him saying that but we have all said things that we regret and since then he has come back with five goals so I'm absolutely delighted for him," said Hughes.
"He has been a bit of an unsung hero and a player that you would always want in your team. He is a lovely big lad and he has certainly played his part this season, as they all have."
Hughes said he expects changes at Easter Road ahead of next season's campaign but stressed his desire to maintain the nucleus of his talented young squad.
He added: "I feel that the boys that are here still have a lot of hard work in front of them. You could just discard somebody and buy a replacement but I think as a coach and a manager you need to keep working these guys and keep them together like Walter Smith has done at Rangers. It is inevitable that one or two will go and if I could bring in a couple to help them I will do that.
"I understand that football is a business. That is why I travel all over the place to look at players to enhance my squad. There will be one or two coming in, hopefully with more experience and a more physical presence to try to help the guys we have."
Source: PA
