Just a week after making his first appearance for Hibernian, Daryl Horgan opened his account in style by netting an injury time winner against Ross County in the Scottish League Cup.
Having exited the Europa League in midweek after a disappointing defeat to Norwegian side Molde, Neil Lennon rotated his squad making six changes for the second round tie against the championship side, with Horgan lining out for his full debut.
The selection gamble had threatened to backfire against Lennon's side when twice they went behind. But in both cases County were unable to hold onto the lead for more than six minutes.
As the game threatened to go to extra-time with the two sides deadlocked on 91 minutes, Horgan cut in on his left foot and from near the edge of the area curled a sweet strike into the corner to send the home fans into raptures and set up a quarter final meeting with Aberdeen.
Hibs boss Lennon was quick to pay tribute to his "excellent" match-winner when speaking to BBC Scotland shortly after the game.
Horgan has recently spoken of his motivation in making the switch from Preston to get more game time and force his way into the Republic of Ireland squad as Martin O'Neill prepares for the upcoming international season, so his performance today is a promising start to making that goal a reality.
Great game today Daryl Horgan 👍🏻 can’t wait to see more 💚congratulations on your first goal too 🇳🇬💚🇳🇬 #GGTTH
— Jo Parker #SCO 🏴 (@jo31070) August 19, 2018
Daryl Horgan with a 90th minute winner for Hibs in the League Cup. Great weekend for Irish lads across the water @CRISClubs ☘
— Ciaran N (@CiaranBhoy88) August 19, 2018
Well done Horgan, really hope it works out for you up there!
— PNE Fans Forum (@PNEFansForum) August 19, 2018
After the match he spoke to HibsTV about the goal and how he's settling in at Hibernian.
