Hibernian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Hibs' victory over Celtic last Saturday did more than secure three points. It sent shockwaves through Scottish football.

But perhaps it should not have.

Recent performances had hinted this was coming. Results have improved, confidence has grown, and there has been a sharper edge about Hibs in recent weeks. This was not a smash and grab, it was the continuation of an upward curve.

Wins of this nature, away to the current champions in Glasgow, can redefine a season. They energise a dressing room, reengage a support and shift belief from quiet optimism to something more tangible. For a side chasing European football, it may prove a pivotal afternoon.

There was further encouragement in the impact of the January arrivals.

Felix Passlack opened the scoring, ghosting in at the back post to meet Nicky Cadden's cross with a composed diving header - the sort of instinctive movement that speaks to confidence and attacking intent.

The winner, struck with authority by Kai Andrews, underlined his quality.

If Hibs are to secure a European berth next season, this performance must now become the standard rather than the exception.

With five matches remaining before the split, the equation is straightforward: 15 points available, and as many of them as possible required.

Next comes a trip to a rejuvenated Dundee side. After a difficult start under new manager Steven Pressley, they have found rhythm and identity. A 14-point cushion above bottom spot tells its own story.

While they have only one win in their past five, Dundee are playing with greater freedom, moving the ball with confidence and feeding off a home support that has rediscovered its voice.

There is also the psychological element to consider. With no fixture next weekend, the last thing Hibs want is to head into a break on the back of defeat. A loss lingers; a victory fuels anticipation.

For Hibs, this is the challenge now. The win over Celtic has raised expectation externally and internally. The next step is to prove it was not a standalone moment but part of a sustained push.

Hibernian midfielder Josh Mulligan faces a delay in his recovery from minor ankle surgery but Chris Cadden and Joe Newell are making progress in training. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Friday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

• Dundee have lost their past three league meetings with Hibernian, last losing four in a row to the Easter Road side in the top flight in April 2001.

• After their 2-1 win in August, Hibs could win successive Scottish Premiership visits to Dundee for the first time since February 2019 (three in a row).

• Over half of Dundee's points this season have been earned since Christmas (14/27). The Dark Blues won just three of their 18 league games prior to Christmas Day (D4 L11), but have since won four of their nine matches (D2 L3).

• After their 2-1 victory at Celtic last time out, Hibs could win back-to-back away league outings for the first time since December 2024.

• Simon Murray has scored three goals in his past two Premiership appearances, more than his previous 26 beforehand (2). Since he rejoined Dundee at the start of last season, Murray's 20 league goals are more than double any other player for the club (Lyall Cameron second with nine).

Hibernian head coach David Gray says Sunday's 2-1 win at Celtic Park was the culmination of a challenge he had set his players during his tenure. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Gray says the officials got the biggest call right in Glasgow as Celtic lost Auston Trusty to a red card before Hibs got their late winner. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Thursday's Scottish gossip

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

It was a welcome, if rare, win at Parkhead for Hibs on Sunday, with David Gray ending a 16-year run for Hibs without a win at Celtic.

In doing so, Gray became the first Hibs manager to beat Celtic home and away since Alex Miller.

Gray is something of a history maker at Hibs. He's had his critics but there's no denying that he's also something of a master of using past adversity to shape present performance.

Two of Gray's January recruits got the goals - Felix Passlack bulleted his header past Kasper Schmeichel to give Hibs the lead before Kai Andrews stroked a shot home from the edge of the box to restore Hibs' lead after Celtic had been reduced to ten men.

It was a moment of madness from Celtic's Auston Trusty that saw him see red for lashing out at Jamie McGrath in the second half, and while the referee saw the incident, it took a VAR intervention for him to see the severity of Trusty's strike.

Gray has been criticised by some for being too reluctant to go and win games, but there was no question that he chased the win - with the man advantage, Hibs stepped up a gear and Celtic were suddenly chasing the game.

A special mention must go to Miguel Chaiwa, who put in a performance in midfield that we've not seen in Glasgow since John McGinn left the club.

The youngster was incredible, showing as much technique as he did tenacity to set the tone for Hibs in the middle of the park.

Hibs will be hoping to keep him at the club for as long as possible on Sunday's showing.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Jerome Prior - Livingston: A superb performance from the Livingston keeper, who pulled off a variety of fantastic stops to repel Rangers time and again. No shame in ultimately conceding two given the deluge he was under.

Stephen O'Donnell - Motherwell: Has been a true, versatile hero at the back for the Steelmen this season. Looks like a player rejuvenated every weekend in this brilliant Motherwell side.

Brooklyn Kabongolo - Livingston: What. A. Strike! Finished like one of the world's best strikers to put Livingston ahead against Rangers. Also put in a big shift at the back.

Harry Milne - Hearts: Not one of the most celebrated at the time, but has to be one of the best recent signings Hearts have made. A model of consistency. The former Partick Thistle player put in another energised, dependable performance for his manager.

Emmanuel Longelo - Motherwell: Thought he looked offside for his goal, but who am I to argue with the VAR lines. Has been an awesome presence down the left for the Steelmen all season.

Felix Passlack - Hibernian: The former Borussia Dortmund player arrived at Easter Road with a fine CV and underlined those credentials with a fine showing at Celtic Park. Took his opportunity superbly with an unstoppable header to fire Hibs in front.

Elijah Just - Motherwell: Every weekend Just underlines his credentials as a player of the year contender. Opened the scoring in the demolition of St Mirren with another brilliant goal.

Ethan Hamilton - Dundee: For his thunderbolt winner against Aberdeen. Great follow-up to his sublime strike against Celtic in the cup, but that was ultimately in vain while this strike at Pittodrie bagged what could turn out to be a vital three points. A statement season for the midfielder.

Callum Slattery - Motherwell: Difficult to look past the fact he went down far too easily as Richard King was sent off. However, the actual football performance from Slattery was excellent. Three assists for the midfielder as the Steelmen further underlined their title credentials by tearing St Mirren apart.

Nicky Cadden - Hibernian: Hibs are simply a far better side with Nicky Cadden in it. His delivery from the left offers so much to Hibs in attack, as shown by the assist for Passlack's diving header against Celtic.

Kevin Nisbet - Aberdeen: The light in the north for the slightly dismal Dons at the moment. His first was freakish - helped massively by Dundee keeper Jon McCracken - but his second was an absolute firecracker of a free kick. On another day might easily have had a hat-trick.

We asked for your views after Kai Andrews' late winner secured Hibernian a first victory at Parkhead since 2010 on a potentially pivotal day in an incredible season.

Here's what some of you said:

Niall: A stunning result and badly needed for this team and manager. Hibs have shown in flashes that they can compete with the best in the league, so let's keep that momentum going until the end of the season. Who knows where we could end up?

Hannah: It's been some two seasons for Sir David Gray. Since he's been in the driving seat at Hibs, the team have won at Celtic Park, Ibrox, Tynecastle and Pittodrie (on more than one occasion). It's been inconsistent but you've got to say Hibs wouldn't have gotten the results they have bagged if Gray wasn't in charge. Build that man a statue.

Scott: At half-time I was thinking 'same old Hibs' but they stuck at it and whilst Celtic huffed and puffed I thought Hibs put on a controlled, professional performance. More like this please.

Tim: It looks like Hibs' transfer business in January was top notch. The new signings are adding a touch of class. And with Nicky Cadden back, we have a real threat. If only we could run a string of good results together.

Alan: Well done Sir David, that proves the doubters wrong. It took Fergie over three years to sort out Manchester United. Hibs are definitely in a much better place after a few dodgy managerial appointments in the recent past . Very organised today , good signs from some of the new recruits ,but still think a decent keeper would take us to the next level .

Neil: A great result,I've seen us play better and got beaten. Miguel Chaiwa was a standout,hopefully this run in the team helps him flourish. Everyone is saying the result helps Hearts, but I'm not bothered as we'll skelp them as well.

Watch highlights as Hibernian beat Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

Match report: Hibs stun Celtic with late Andrews winner

Available to UK users only.

Image source, SNS

Hibs head coach David Gray: "It's been a long time coming. That's twice we've been here [this season] and not lost.

"It shows we are capable if we go toe-to-toe, but it takes a level of performance, that requires every man to be at their very best.

"It's all about us. How can we keep improving? It's a massive three points today on the back of a positive result last week against St Mirren.

"That's us five points behind Motherwell, still to play them twice and all the teams round about us.

"It's all to play for between now and the end of the season and we'll be aiming to push up the table as hard as we can. All you can do is take one game at a time."

Ten-man Celtic suffered a damaging blow to their Scottish Premiership title hopes as Kai Andrews' late winner secured Hibernian a first victory at Parkhead since 2010 on a potentially pivotal day in an incredible season.

Have your say on the game here.

Read our match report here.

Image source, SNS

New Hibernian forward Ante Suto, who qualifies for Croatia and Australia, says there has been "early contact" from the latter nation. (Daily Record), external

Image source, SNS

Celtic are missing Arne Engels (leg), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Achilles), Jota (knee), Alistair Johnston and Callum Osmand (both hamstring) but welcome back several players who are not in their European squad.

Hibernian defender Munashe Garananga returns after an ankle issue and Joe Newell is also back in contention, but Josh Mulligan (ankle), Jordan Obita, Grant Hanley (both hamstring) and Chris Cadden are all still out.

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare for Sunday's game against Celtic.

Here are the main points:

• Gray hailed the contribution of senior players like Joe Newell and Warren O'Hora for helping January signings to settle in. "There's a core of players who make it easier for others to settle," he said. "Especially younger ones who want to come and hit the ground running. It can be difficult coming to a new environment and a new culture. I'm delighted with that."

• After bringing in new faces, the head coach was delighted to have a week without a midweek fixture so he could help people bed into his ideas. "It's been a really good week, having a full week to work with the players," Gray said. "They're still trying to get used to how we want to play and even within games there's improvements to come."

• Celtic are unbeaten in their last 23 home games against Hibs in all competitions and Gray says that underlines how tough a game is in wait. "It'll be a very big challenge as it always is," he said. "History tells you that. It's been a very long time since a Hibs team [has won there].

• He said Celtic's recent later match-winning goals showed concentration is needed but also said: "The big thing is that you need to have the belief and confidence that you can go there and get a result. If you don't have that, you're wasting your time getting on the bus and going along."

• After defeating St Mirren 2-0 last week, Hibs are "in the best frame of mind after a real positive result and performance" and the message is "making sure we have the right mentality and attitude, with the belief and desire to go and change history in a positive way."

• On the injury front, Gray said Joe Newell is back "on the grass" as he works his way back , and Chris Cadden and Grant Hanley are "not too far away".

Image source, SNS

• Celtic are unbeaten in their last 23 home games against Hibernian in all competitions (W18 D5) since a 1-2 league reverse in January 2010. It's their longest unbeaten home run over Hibs since going 25 without defeat from September 1903 to August 1925.

• Hibernian have lost eight of their last 10 meetings with Celtic across all competitions (W1 D1), most recently a 2-1 loss in November.

• Hibernian have lost both of their last two away league outings, last losing more in a row in January 2023 (run of six).

• Celtic have scored five 90th-minute (or later) winning goals in the Scottish Premiership this season, including one in both of their last two league games. Since the competition rebrand in 2013, this is the joint-most by any side in a single Scottish Premiership campaign (Rangers also five in 2016-17).

• No player has scored more goals in the Scottish Premiership this season than Benjamin Nygren (13, level with Tawanda Maswanhise). It's the most by any player in their debut league campaign for Celtic since Giorgos Giakoumakis in 2021-22 (also 13), while the last to net more for the club in their first season were both Moussa Dembélé (17) and Scott Sinclair (21) in 2016-17.

Head coach David Gray believes "versatility" can help Hibernian as they travel to face Celtic Park on Sunday. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Thursday's Scottish gossip

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There was a huge sense of relief around Easter Road on Saturday when the full-time whistle finally sounded and three precious points were secured.

In front of a home support still bruised by the late derby defeat to Hearts in midweek, the response was exactly what was required. The two goals arrived at the perfect moments, settling nerves in the stands and on the pitch, and ensuring there would be no lingering hangover from Tynecastle.

With a top-six spot now all but secured in the Scottish Premiership, attention turns to what more can be achieved. The five-point gap to Motherwell is far from insurmountable, and with European football firmly in the club's sights, there is genuine incentive to push hard between now and the split.

Work behind the scenes is already under way, with recruitment plans being shaped for the summer window. That allows David Gray and his staff to focus squarely on results - and on ensuring this campaign is remembered as a progressive one.

One of the brightest positives from the weekend was the emergence of teenager Owen Elding. The 19-year-old marked his first start with his first goal for the club, but it was his tireless work rate and willingness to press that really caught the eye. There is a maturity to his play that suggests this breakthrough may be the first of many meaningful contributions.

Elding was not alone in impressing. Jamie McGrath, recently back from injury and illness, looks capable of providing the creative spark required for the run-in. His composure in possession and ability to operate between the lines add a different dimension to Hibs' attacking play.

With the Republic of Ireland national team chasing World Cup qualification and a demanding trip to the Czech Republic on the horizon, McGrath has added motivation. Strong performances in high-profile fixtures can often nudge an international manager's thinking.

Next up is the ultimate domestic test - a trip to Celtic. Points are never easily earned in Glasgow's east end, but it is precisely these occasions that define seasons. A positive result would not only boost top-four ambitions but inject belief ahead of what, on paper, looks a favourable run of fixtures before the Premiership split.

Relief has given way to renewed optimism at Easter Road. Now comes the challenge of turning promise into tangible reward.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

Hibs got the derby defeat out the system with a routine win over a St Mirren side that were as poor as I can remember seeing at Easter Road.

That is a huge compliment to Hibs, though, as the players were at it from the first whistle and you could see they were playing with a point to prove.

As disappointing as the derby was, it was a re-run of virtually every derby at Tynecastle for the last twenty odd years, if not longer. A game where football rarely threatened to break out, settled by the odd goal – we've seen a few go our way there in recent times and on Tuesday it was Hearts' turn.

It was a much better affair on Saturday at Easter Road.

Hibs' young striker pairing of Owen Elding and Dane Scarlett showed what they can add to the team, while Jamie McGrath and Dan Barlaser lit up the midfield.

Hibs have a knack of making some wins look fairly routine and it's probably unfair on the players that so many fans left Easter Road happy but not blown away by a professional performance.

I'm not sure I agree with that view though. I thought we were very good and I really enjoyed the match.

Despite losing Keiron Bowie in the January window, I really liked the look of Scarlett and Elding, and with Suto coming off the bench to score his second goal for the club since joining on deadline day, Hibs might well have upgraded the strike force, and watching them develop together over the coming weeks will be interesting.

We could have done with Aberdeen taking something from Motherwell to keep the slim chance of fourth alive, but we still have to play the Steelmen twice so if (and it's a big "if") we can put the sort of run together as we did last season, there's an outside chance of catching them.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

Two Celtic stars, duos from Dundee and Dundee United, and a pair from Motherwell. It's time for Jonathan Sutherland's team of the week, so let's take a look and see who impressed...

Raphael Sallinger - Hibernian

Not a vintage weekend for goalkeepers. Sallinger gets the nod for a couple of stops and a clean sheet. An overall impressive addition at Easter Road.

Julian Araujo - Celtic

What a big goal. Ended up in hospitality with his celebration, but it was a big moment.

Stephen Welsh - Motherwell

Outstanding again after his goalscoring heroics midweek. An assist for Just as well. Not sure what Celtic don't see in him.

Ross Graham - Dundee United

Goal and a doughty warrior at the back. His four touches in the opposition box was only bettered by teammate Kristijan Trapanovski, while he made more clearances than any other player.

Cameron Congreve - Dundee

A continuous threat down the right for the Dark Blues. What a good loan signing he has been by Steven Pressley. Took eight shots and created three chances.

Craig Sibbald - Dundee United

Pulled the strings in midfield and scored a vital goal. Set up four chances, the most of any United player, and won more duels than any of his teammates.

Elijah Just - Motherwell

For me, Elijah Just has to be in with a shout of player of the season. The New Zealand international has been consistently excellent, showing guile, creativity and goalscoring ability. On the scoresheet again this weekend, against Aberdeen. Ghosts around the pitch with elegance, class and endeavour.

Sebastian Tounekti - Celtic

Loves Rugby Park. Great on his debut there, scored there against Auchinleck Talbot and sparked Celtic's comeback on Sunday with a goal of the season contender.

Simon Murray - Dundee

Murray in a hurry at Dens Park. After a barren spell, the Dundee captain looked pumped for action with his quick fire double.

Youssef Chermiti - Rangers

Michael Stewart told me on Sportscene he doesn't think Chermiti has the potential to be a top striker. But he has scored six of his seven goals this season against Celtic and Hearts, including his hat-trick yesterday on what was a huge occasion.

The challenge for the 21-year-old is to start delivering this sort of performance more consistently against the other sides in the Premiership.

Tyreece John-Jules - Kilmarnock

The former Arsenal youth - and nephew of Red Dwarf star Danny John-Jules - was a force of nature for Kilmarnock against Celtic, following on from his midweek hat-trick.

Scored a great goal, clipped the crossbar from a free-kick and just generally showed star potential. Such a shame he limped off with what looked like a thigh muscle strain.

Hibernian score in each half to defeat St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership (UK users only).

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Owen Elding's patience was rewarded as he scored his first Hibernian goal in Saturday's 2-0 Scottish Premiership win over St Mirren.

Forward Elding, 19, joined from Sligo Rovers in January, having scored 12 goals during the 2025 League of Ireland season.

He made his Hibs debut in the recent 0-0 draw with Rangers before starting for the first time against the Buddies.

"Yeah, I'm delighted," Elding told BBC Scotland. "Obviously, there's no better feeling than hitting the back of the net and to do it at my first start at home game, there's nothing more special.

"We needed to break the deadlock. We had to try and get them out of their shape to get in front and just to be calm through the game."

Elding revealed he found out he was starting '"literally just before everyone arrived".

"I've had to be patient," he added. "Obviously, the Irish season runs differently. It ended in November, so I haven't played a competitive game since then. So, yeah, it's good to get a start and be back out there on the pitch.

"I'm enjoying it. Really high tempo in training. I want to keep playing first team football. That's my main goal."

We sought your views following Hibernian's 2-0 win over St Mirren...

James: Hibs were by far the better team. Poor final ball kept the score down. Robinson said there wasn't a lot between the two teams in the first half but he's kidding himself… Hibs were dominant!

Pat: Great response following a disappointing outcome at Tuesday's derby. From the outset this was the poorest team from Paisley I have seen in a number of years and lacked structure. On top of this, was a very focused and good performance from Hibs, all in all the result was inevitable. Excellent header from young Owen to open the scoring but no-one could have argued if Hibs were two or three up at that point. Only issue, slight issue was Sallinger looked less than comfortable at times but credit as when required he made top notch saves.

G: A very subdued game. Important three points and good to see McGrath back. Good to see new signings scoring!

Neil: Very accomplished performance from Hibs but only gripe is still need to be more ruthless when on top.

John: Excellent performances from Barlaser, McGrath and Passlack. Last season's back three settled the defence. Still not enough spark up front for me and I'm sure there will be changes next season.

Danny: Good solid, if expected, win. New signings slotting in well. And Dundee Utd did us a favour by keeping Falkirk off our backs! All in all, a good day.