Former Hibs and Scotland star Scott Brown believes Nick Montgomery is just a couple of smart signings away from cracking the code at Easter Road.

And the ex-Celtic skipper has backed Monty’s ‘Man City tactics’ to dominate SPFL opponents.

Brown has been pleased with several parts of his former team’s play over the last few months and believes the new manager will target a striker in his first transfer window after taking over for Lee Johnson in September.

The former midfield player is sure that the manager is on the right route. He is thrilled to see young players like Rory Whittaker and Josh Landers exposed to first-team football—a journey he made himself as a member of a golden generation back in the early 2000s.

“He will definitely bring in a couple of his own players during the transfer window,” Brown stated, expressing his admiration for Montgomery after meeting him at David Gray’s testimonial match last month.

“However, based on what I’ve observed thus far, they appear to be managing games. His game is 4-4-2. A few of his returning guys are likely just a little bit out of shape.

Martin Boyle hasn’t been back for very long; Dylan Levitt has only recently rejoined the team. They most likely need some game time to acclimatise themselves.

However, I have no doubt that Nick will excel at Hibs this season. He aspires to play ethically. He can play football in a traditional sense, but he can also have fun with it.

“I believe he will hunt for a different striker. He has placed a great deal of reliance on Boyle to play forward.

Boyle is most effective, in my opinion, when he is wide, rushing at opponents, creating opportunities, and going in at the back stick. Thus, I believe he will try to insert another striker.

He might also require a defender and an additional midfielder. Since Lewis Stevenson and Paul Hanlon have been outstanding for the team over the years and I know they aren’t getting any younger, he will want competition for them.

“Everyone requires those windows of time and that small amount of time to bring in their own guys.

“The boys seem to be responding to his implementation of his own philosophy, which involves directing their play in a certain way.”

Brown, who supports Montgomery’s dedication to the 4-4-2 system, finds it illogical to criticise Montgomery’s defensive shape as being insufficient for Pep Guardiola’s all-conquering City.

It’s all about the two outside wingers and how they’re going to press when Man City is in that mid to low block, he said, explaining that they also switch to a 4-4-2 formation.

“Hibs is a tight team that effectively locks down the middle of the park, compelling other teams to play outside of them. The left and right midfielders must then be made to do their roles, track back, and put in a lot of effort.

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News on behalf of luckyblock.com was Scott Brown.

“Hibs are a tough team to play against if they execute that effectively. And they can go and get results, as you’ve seen.

“They just need to win a few more games at home and improve at closing out games when they are ahead by a few goals.”

“It’s possible that they simply haven’t added enough new players or that special player to come off the bench.”

Brown, who broke out alongside players like Steven Whittaker and Kevin Thomson, was asked for advice to the young players who were being promoted to the first team. He replied, “For me, I’d say make sure you get a good couple of seasons under your belt.” Above all, your goal should be to establish yourself in the Hibs first squad.

“Rory has performed incredibly well. He played 65 minutes straight against St. Mirren, and from what I could see, he would fit right in with their squad.

He provides Lewis Miller with strong competition at right back. It’s amazing for him to have accomplished so much at the age of 16, to be the youngest player, and I have no doubt that his family is proud of him.

“I’m sure his schoolmates are all happy of him as well!

The club had to get go of all the big names, therefore at the time our squad was essentially made up of young players. It was our good fortune to survive.

“Having everyone arrive at the same time allowed us to flourish. Additionally, I’m sure that all the young guys will believe there are chances to go up from the under-18 squad to the first team if they see Rory join and Josh earn playing time.

“Your age is irrelevant if you’re talented enough. Nick has demonstrated that he will let individuals to go play.”