KILMARNOCK departed Easter Road on Saturday with nothing to show for their endeavour; however, their supporters will at least be emboldened by forward Greg Stewart’s early promise.

The 28-year-old, playing his second game since sealing a season-long loan switch from Birmingham City, caught the eye with a stunning equaliser and also played his part in strike partner Eamonn Brophy’s goal.

Stewart admits he is driven by the desire to repay the faith that manager Steve Clarke has in him after being handed a licence to thrill at the Rugby Park outfit.

Playing just off Brophy, Stewart – who also netted on his debut in the victory at former loan club Aberdeen a fortnight ago – is releasing the free-rein he has under Clark.

He added: “It’s something that I enjoy doing – that role off the striker. I feel that the gaffer has given me that free role when we have the ball, and when we’ve not got the ball you still have to work hard and come back into a shape and make it hard for the opposition. I can still probably get better at that as well.

“I feel like I need to get some consistency back into my game. Obviously, I’ve had a couple of staggered seasons on loan. But the manager has shown a bit of trust in me and hopefully I can repay him.

“I just want to keep doing what I’ve been doing these past two games.

“I’m starting to feel a bit sharper, which I’ve missed, so hopefully I can contribute to helping the team.

“It has gone well for me but we have taken nothing from the game against Hibs, so I’m disappointed overall.”

Stewart made 17 starts among a total of 30 Premierships outings, scoring three goals, during a season-long temporary stint at Pittodrie last season, but concedes the Dons fans did not see the best of him.

He added: “I felt I could have done better, but I also felt I did well in some games. But that is done now. That’s finished. I’m a Kilmarnock player and that is all I’m thinking about."

This game came close to replicating the drama of last April’s 5-3 victory for Hibs at Easter Road.

Neil Lennon’s side were up and running after 12 minutes when Stevie Mallan swept a stunning free-kick, his fourth set-piece strike from seven goals this term, past Jamie MacDonald.

The midfielder then set up David Gray to head home from a corner in the 23rd minute.

However, Brophy pulled one back three minutes later, turning in Stephen O’Donnell’s pass at the near post.

Stewart then showed his predatory instincts with a fierce drive from 20 yards before Kamberi struck the late blow.

Referee John Beaton pointed to the spot after Kirk Broadfoot was adjudged to have fouled Jamie Maclaren, a decision that riled Killie manager Steve Clarke.

The win was Hibs’ first in four top-flight outings and on loan Manchester City winger Thomas Agyepong, who came on for Martin Boyle at half-time, admits his expectations of Scottish football were blown away on Saturday.

He said: “It was a good win and the quality of the football was amazing.

“The manager told us to keep passing it and open the up at the right time, that’s how we would hurt them.

“He told us to be patient on the ball.

“I was told Scottish football was more physical, and when we played Livingston recently it was a different ball game completely compared to Saturday.

“It was good, I know at home we could pass the ball well as the pitch is good.”