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Rudi Molotnikov last played in February [SNS]
Hibernian opened their pre-season programme with a 1-0 defeat by Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday, as head coach David Gray reported encouraging news about Rudi Molotnikov.
Luke O'Regan's goal in the first half was enough to secure victory for the hosts.
Gray gave minutes to Hibs youngsters Zach Bruce, Lewis Gillie, Josh McDonald, Joseph McGrath and Jacob MacIntyre in Dublin.
And the head coach told club media: "We probably looked like a team that's been working hard in the last seven days versus a team that has been playing together probably for the last three or four months and is up to speed.
"There were no severe injuries but a few bumps and bruises because it was a physical game, but it was a really good test and that's exactly what we needed at this stage of pre-season.
"Of course we're disappointed to lose the game, as there was no such thing as a friendly, and I just said that to the boys as well, and the players know that, but it is about the minutes in the legs at this stage of the season."
International players Martin Boyle, Grant Hanley, Jamie McGrath and Jordan Obita did not feature while Josh Campbell, Owen Elding and Callum Wright missed out.
And Gray said there had been "really positive news" regarding long-term injury absentee Rudi Molotnikov.
"He's trained fully with the international boys, the smaller group this morning, and came through that, which is excellent, and by the end of the week, he'll be fully integrated into training, which is excellent for him," Gray explained.
"We probably won't see him play this weekend [against Cliftonville]. It's a bit soon for that, but it's really good to have him around the group again, and he'll benefit from a real strong pre-season now."
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