Hibernian boss David Gray has warned of the significant threat posed by Celtic as his side prepares to take on the Scottish champions this weekend…
Martin O’Neill’s side are set to make the trip to Easter Road on Sunday, where Hibs will be aiming to bounce back following a 2-1 defeat to rivals Hearts last Sunday.
Hibs appeared to be holding out but Blair Spittal’s last strike won it for Derek McInnes’ men sending the Jambos three points clear of the Hoops.
Hibs will be without suspended stars
With Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack both unavailable through suspension after their crazy red cards last weekend, Gray acknowledges the challenge ahead for his team, particularly as Celtic look to intensify the pressure on their title challengers with another victory.
‘You’re not involved in the title race if you’re not a dangerous team’
Speaking via The National, Gray said: “Celtic are going for the league, and we’re going for fourth place. So they’re going to be trying to back up their performance from the weekend.
“I went to their game on Saturday and, for larger periods, they were very good in the game and very dangerous.
“Like you said, you’re not involved in the title race if you’re not a dangerous team. They’ve still got that level of talent. And they’re going to have threats.“
David Dickinson has been appointed as referee for Easter Road match
In other news, the Scottish FA has confirmed the match officials for the game on Sunday in the capital.
Following the Hoops’ recent 3-1 victory over Falkirk, Martin O’Neill’s side will aim to maintain momentum and increase the pressure on their title rivals, with Hearts and the Ibrox club set to meet on Monday at Tynecastle.
For the encounter at Easter Road, David Dickinson has been appointed as referee. He will be supported by assistants Calum Spence and Douglas Ross, while Don Robertson will oversee VAR operations, assisted by Duncan Nicholson. Dickinson has already overseen a couple of Celtic fixtures this season.
Conor Spence
1 Comment
Very rarely is this an easy fixture for ourselves, and expecting nothing different on Sunday either imo?
But at least we are finally starting to put a more settled 20man match day squad together, for the challenges ahead.
Still wouldn’t class ourselves as a straightforward selection, for the starting positions, just yet either?
Are we able to get AJ up to 60 minutes playing time for Sunday?
Still believe Maeda will start through the centre, so who will start in our wider positions on either flank?
How much playing time is within both calmac and Tierney?
Regarding Tierney, think that the extra engry Saracchi can provide, especially as he seems to link up better with Seb, could be a useful weapon for ourselves from the start imo?
Tierney, could well provide better ammunition for kelchi, later in the game if required. But giving Tierney the day off, with the Glasgow Derby in mind could be very beneficial to ourselves also?
Especially if it potentially allows for that extra sub to be allowed, depending upon what impact nygren might be having upon the game?
The fitness concerns surrounding AJ, Calmac and Tierney at present, hardly makes the selection and game plans any easier for MoN at present.
Regardless, all we want is a winning result, despite the manner of how it’s achieved, especially when something has to give in our rivals match the following day?