However, the Leith side came back after the break and levelled through substitute Oli Shaw before further goals from former St Mirren duo Darren McGregor and Stevie Mallan gave them their first league win in six games.

Afterwards Gray was asked about the previous couple of days and said: "The news came out on Sky and that was the first I was made aware of it.

"I think you are always shocked in that situation. I don't think there is any other way to put it.

"The next day there was a meeting with the football department and we have a job to do,  it is above our head and we will see what happens.

"Obviously the results haven't been fantastic recently but in terms of the relationship between players and the manager it has always been the same.

"The results haven't been good and everyone knows there was a meeting but it wasn't out of the ordinary, it was just the way the game goes.

"We get paid to play football and the only thing we were concentrating on was today, trying to get three points."

Before the post-match press conference began, May said: "I do not know what is going on with the club and Neil.  I don't know anything so I can't say anything."

The former Falkirk boss then added: "What happened happened and I just got asked along with Alan (Combe, goalkeeping coach) and Grant Murray to take the team because of the situation.

"We will keep our distance and be very respectful towards Neil and the club to make the decision they are going to make."

Saints manager Oran Kearney noted Kyle McAllister's missed chance in the second half which would have put the home side 2-0 up and possibly taken them off the bottom of the table.

Hibs keeper Ofir Marciano blundered badly to present the ball to McAllister 35 yards from goal but he instead turned left, away from goal, and his long-range effort missed the target, with Hibs equalising within a minute.

Kearney said: "They say when you are down the bad breaks go against you.

"It is a big opportunity for Kyle and one everyone in the stadium can see.

"It is harder for him as he thinks someone is coming behind him and decides to shift it left.

"I spoke to him and I will not hang him out to dry. I thought he was probably as good a player as we had on the pitch today.

"To be fair to him he didn't let his head go down after it and he came on stronger."

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