James McDonaugh says he was thrilled with the opening day league performance served by Hibernian under-20s on Tuesday night as the young team in green defeated Ross County 3-1 at Dingwall.

The Highlanders fielded a strong side containing former Hibernian youth team goal machine Kurtis Byrne alongside ex-Hearts striker Gary Glen.

Callum Booth and Scott Smith both featured as overage players for the under-20s, who moved the ball around superbly and Bradley Donaldson shining at right-back.

The goals were scored by Ross Caldwell (two) and Danny Handling - both fresh from featuring at first team level at Dundee United - and McDonaugh praised his players.

McDonaugh said: "I thought we played well, very well in fact. We passed the ball from defence into midfield and into our strikers really well.

"We found ourselves 1-1 at half time and the message was really to keep playing the same way and take our chances. The players played exactly the way I wanted them to; passing, moving and creating while defending well without the ball.

"We have set a high standard tonight and picked up a great three points away at Dingwall. Overall I am delighted with the team as a group and individually some were excellent."

Hibernian under-20s: Paul Grant, Bradley Donaldson, Jordon Forster, Scott Smith, Callum Booth, Dean Horribine, David Gold, Harry Monaghan, Sam Stanton, Ross Caldwell, Danny Handling.
Subs (used): Alex Harris, Euan Smith, David Paul

Hibernian under-20s are in action on Friday afternoon in a friendly against Falkirk at Stirling University, kick off 2pm because the team have a free week in the SPL U20 League programme.

The young team in green's next competitive match is against St Mirren on Tuesday 21 August (kick off and venue details to be confirmed, please check back here www.hibernianfc.co.uk)