Bowie credits pre-season hard graft for opening day brace

Kieron Bowie says he is "reaping the rewards from a hard pre-season" after bagging a brace in Hibs' 2-1 victory away to Dundee in their league opener.

Bowie's first-half double helped Hibs to an opening day win in the Scottish Premiership as they look to continue the stellar form they showed in the second half of last season.

"Yeah, I mean, obviously two goals in quick succession. You take any goal you can get", said the Hibernian number nine.

"Obviously, it was off the back of a couple of mistakes from them but I'm happy to score two goals, and yeah, we've obviously given them a lifeline in the game, conceding a goal. But we've seen the game out 2-1 and that's the most important thing, the three points".

The ex-Raith Rovers striker believes a good preseason has him well-prepared for the upcoming campaign.

"I feel much better physically, that's the main thing," the 22-year-old added.

"It's my first 90 for the club and I'm reaping the rewards of a hard pre-season.

"I played Thursday and was disappointed to come off, but then I played 90 today and managed to see through the game so hopefully I can continue doing that".

Hibs spent a "significant fee" to bring Bowie to Easter Road at the beginning of the 2024/2025 season, however, the Fife-born attacker isn't feeling the weight of the price tag.

"Honestly, I don't really put any pressure on myself. I'm not bothered. I don't really feel that sort of pressure. I'm just going to play my own game and that'll keep me in the team".

Bowie was called up to his first senior Scotland squad towards the end of last season and hopes he can keep "knocking on their door" in what could be a breakout season for the striker.

"Obviously, I'm not setting my sights on how many goals I'm going to score or anything," he continued.

"I'm just sort of taking it week by week and hopefully I can score as many as I can and try and keep myself knocking on the door of Scotland as well."