Hibernian head coach David Gray anticipates new additions on transfer deadline day. (Scotsman - subscription required), external
Plymouth lead Hibs and Wigan in the hunt for Millwall right-back Wes Harding, 29. (Football Insider), external
Gray disappointed not to get three points against Rangers
Hibs head coach David Gray: "We deserved all three points, if I'm honest. We had the best chances. We could be a bit more clinical. A little bit of frustration we haven't won the game, but that's a good place to be off the back of the last two results.
"It was much more like us. It's very much about making sure we keep working hard, sticking together. It was a young group towards the end, but once we get a few back I'm confident we can end the season strongly."
On Kai Andrews' debut: "He's someone who was up here before. He's got a very good pedigree, played at a very good level. He grew into the game as it went on. But, to a man, the boys were excellent."
On the end of the transfer window: "Maybe a couple of additions if it can be done. I do expect there to be a bit movement at the end of the window."
Image source, Getty ImagesHibernian are hopeful of signing Croatian winger Ante Suto from Slaven Belupo, with reports in his homeland suggesting the 25-year-old is on his way to Edinburgh for a medical. (Hibs Observer), external
Hibernian are closing in on the signing of Felix Passlack, having agreed personal terms on a three-and-a-half year deal and a "low six-figure" fee with Bochum. (Sky Sports Germany via Football Insider, external)
Image source, SNSKieron Bowie has left to join Hellas Verona but Hibs could include new signings Owen Elding, Kai Williams and Dane Scarlett.
Warren O'Hora (groin), Josh Mulligan (ankle), Josh Campbell (hamstring) and Chris Cadden (calf) are out but Nicky Cadden and Thibault Klidje are in contention to return after missing the defeat at Falkirk through illness.
Rangers' January signings – Andreas Skov Olsen, Tochi Chukwuani and Tuur Rommens – are available after being ineligible against Porto on Thursday, as is Nedim Bajrami. Danilo missed the game in Portugal as his wife is expecting a baby.
Dujon Sterling is working his way back to fitness and Connor Barron (knee) and Derek Cornelius (muscle) are still out.
Image source, SNSHibernian want to "put right" previous defeats to Rangers this season when the sides meet on Sunday.
The pair have faced off three times already this season, once in the League Cup when Hibs were beaten 2-0 and twice in the league, both times Hibs narrowly lost 1-0.
If David Gray's side can win on Sunday, they'll move nine points behind Danny Rohl's men in the Scottish Premiership.
"Rangers are obviously in very good form," Hibs boss Gray said.
"The new manager's come in and their form speaks for itself. They are a good side, we know that.
"But I think it has been very fine margins in all the games we've played against Rangers this season, and unfortunately we've been on the wrong side of that.
"That's something we really want to put right this weekend. Naturally, you look over the last few meetings and you look at what happened within the games, but probably the two teams have different squads as well now.
"Rangers have added different players and our squad is slightly different as well, so I think it's more about me concentrating on us and getting that reaction [from recent defeats] and putting that belief back into the players, and trying to use this opportunity this weekend to get three points at home."
Hibs fans, we asked for your views after striker Kieron Bowie's move to Italian side Hellas Verona was confirmed.
Here's what some of you had to say:
Scott: It's never great when a top player moves on in January, especially so late in the window but this is a fantastic move for Bowie (and Hibs) and I'm pleased he went to Italy rather than down south. It will improve him as a footballer and as a person and should set him up for the future. Hibs would know this was potentially coming and have acted, however with a few days still to go they need to strengthen further.
Bruce: The timing's not ideal given we're on a decent run (beat Hearts, Aberdeen, and Kilmarnock over the festive period), but that Scottish Cup exit to Dunfermline and heavy defeat to Falkirk showed we need squad depth. If we spend the Bowie money wisely and strengthen properly, we can push for top four. It's all about what we do with the funds now.
Martin: Losing Bowie wouldn't be such a blow if Hibs had signed players with experience this January. They haven't, and will be poorer for that.
Ron: For a club of our size and stature, increasing the value of a player by so much has to be seen as both good business and good nurturing/coaching. The reality is, we are never going to compete with the big boys as far as money is concerned and with us exiting the cups and Europe at the times we did this year, the money here will absolutely help the club overall.
Steven: When Bowie first arrived I thought we'd uncovered an absolute gem of a player and while we saw some classic moments, such as what would be the eventual winner against Hearts and that goal in Europe, I still feel he never reached his full potential.
Gary: Kieron worked hard in games but was unreliable in front of goal. This is a great deal for Hibs and Kieron so I wish him all the best. We need a 20+ striker and Dane Scarlett will hopefully be a good temporary answer.
Hellas Verona secured the services of Scotland striker Kieron Bowie after an improved offer worth around £7m once add-ons are included, with about £6m coming to Hibernian up front. (Scottish Sun), external
St Louis City will pay Aberdeen around £250,000 to land Dante Polvara, who reportedly received a pre-contract offer from Hibernian. (Press & Journal), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSKieron Bowie says he "loved" playing for Hibs as he thanked the club and fans after completing his move to Serie A club Hellas Verona.
The 23-year-old Scotland striker becomes Hibs' biggest sale, departing for a fee that the club say "substantially exceeds" the previous record of £4.4m for Scott Brown's move to Celtic.
Bowie, who scored 15 goals in 52 Hibs appearances, said: "I would like to thank all my team-mates, coaches and staff at Hibernian FC for their support during my time at the club.
"I loved playing for and representing Hibs and enjoyed some amazing memories with a fantastic group of people, and I hope to be back to visit Easter Road in the future.
"I will always look back fondly on my time with the club and wish everyone every success moving forward."
Head coach David Gray said: "Firstly, I would like to thank Kieron for the way he has conducted himself over the last 18 months. He has been a pleasure to coach and he has been fantastic to work with both on and off the pitch.
"This is a life-changing move for him and his family. He has a bright career ahead of him and we wish him every success in Italy and in the future moving forward."
Hibs sporting director Malky Mackay said "several clubs" made bids for Bowie this month and added: "We have worked hard to secure a deal that reflects his true value and one that is in the best interests of Hibernian Football Club and all parties involved.
"Kieron has got a great personality and is surprisingly mature for his age, which will stand him in good stead in relocating to Italy and playing in Serie A."
Hibs fans, what do you make of Bowie's departure? Was the deal too good for Hibs to turn down? And what now for the club?
Image source, Getty ImagesHibernian have signed England Under-21 striker Dane Scarlett on loan from Tottenham until the end of the season.
Scarlett, 21, has made five substitute appearances for Thomas Frank's side this season and heads to Easter Road in search of regular football.
He has previously had temporary spells with Portsmouth, Ipswich Town and Oxford United in England and has made over 100 appearances in senior football since becoming Spurs' youngest ever player in 2020.
"Dane is a player with real talent, fantastic attributes and he will provide a genuine goal threat in the forward areas of the pitch with his pace, athleticism and technique," Hibs head coach David Gray said.
"We are delighted to bring Dane into the building and we are all looking forward to working with him over the next six months."
Scarlett's arrival came shortly before Kieron Bowie's club record sale to Hellas Verona was confirmed.
BBC Scotland's Edinburgh football reporter Brian McLauchlin has been answering some of your questions on Hibs.
Conor asked: What are Hibs' plans moving forward? Do we stick with David Gray or give him until the end of the season and look at other options? Why has it taken them so long to look at making signings this window?
Brian answered: Time is a rarity for football managers nowadays but in this case I genuinely believe the board will stick by Gray and help him as much as possible in terms of turning things around.
The Scottish Cup loss was a sore one to take and followed up by the poorest performance of the season away to Falkirk.
Don't think for one minute Gray would not be looking for new recruits earlier in the window but as other clubs are also finding out sometimes it takes much longer than you think to conclude a deal and good players that are available tend to be wanted by multiple clubs.
Sandy asked: Any news on incoming investment?
Brian answered: I wouldn't rule this out at some point in the future as Hibs are a top Scottish club with a potentially easier route into European football than other leagues and therefore are without doubt on the radar of would-be investors.
Robin asked: Why when we have a great defender as a manager have we not got the best defence in the league? A better calibre of player is needed. Everyone in the back line should have pace, a good football brain, ball skills, be able to take on a player and make a great pass. Not much to ask for.
Brian answered: You make it sound so simple! Everyone is looking for a player matching your descriptions. Sadly there are very few players around with these attributes.
Every club works within its own limitations and the job of a recruitment department is to identify the best possible options for the manager who always has the final say.
We asked for your views on Hibs signing young forward Owen Elding and the likely departure of Kieron Bowie.
Here's what some of you said:
Colin: Happy to see a new player come in and happy to see Bowie leave as well. Take the £6m and get another couple of good players for the money. I'd go for Elijah Just at Motherwell, he's a good player.
Bill: As we are struggling at the moment it would be a huge mistake to lose Bowie, even though he is not performing at his best. The new guy sounds good on paper, but it sounds like David Gray is going to wrap him in cotton wool, like Thibault Klidje. Jury's out. Fans will vote with their feet.
Mike: If Bowie holds out any hope of making it back into the Scotland squad for the World Cup, it's a no-brainer to stay put for now with a regular starting slot. His stock is only on the rise and he'll get his big move if he perseveres.
Sandy: For Hibs to show real ambition we must be keep our best players. For me Bowie and Josh Mulligan must stay, or we can remain second string to Celtic, Rangers and even Hearts. Keep them!
Chris: Losing Bowie would be an almighty blow. It has been a joy to watch him develop as a footballer and a human being over the last 18 months. I for one thank him for all he's done and for bringing some joy to my weekends. Gone but not forgotten. Farewell my sweet prince.
Kenny: It's always good to bring young talent to the club but we desperately need an experienced playmaker, someone who can boss the midfield going forward and getting back. We also need to bring in an experienced forward. Hibs are a big club but that certainly doesn't show when it comes to strengthening the team. Come on Hibs, get the finger out.
Image source, SNSKieron Bowie says his impending big-money move to Hellas Verona suits himself and Hibs as the striker looks to kick on his career and secure a place in Scotland's World Cup squad.
The 23-year-old is in Italy to complete a switch to the Serie A side for a reported fee of £6m - a club record sale for Hibs.
Bowie, who joined from Fulham for £600,000 18 months ago, has scored 15 goals - including nine this season - in 52 Hibs appearances.
Speaking to Sky Sports at Edinburgh Airport before he flew to Italy, Bowie said: "I've had 18 months at Hibs now and I've done extremely well there. They've done well for me so I think for all parties it's good.
"Italy appeals, there's obviously a lot of people from Scotland who have gone there and have done well.
"It opens a lot of opportunities for myself and my family which is the main thing.
"It's a top league and obviously with the World Cup coming up, that's the idea.
"I've had a good 18 months, not played as many games I've wanted to. But I've helped the club and they've helped me."
Image source, SNSHibs have announced their second signing of the January transfer window, with Coventry midfielder Kai Andrews joining on loan until the end of the season.
The Wales international, 19, spent the second half of last season on loan at Motherwell, making 12 appearances for the Fir Park club.
He made his international debut in Wales' 1-0 loss to Canada in September, and has made 10 appearances in all competitions this term for high-flying Coventry, who sit top of the Championship table.
He follows Irish teenager Owen Elding through the door at Easter Road.
The 19-year-old signed permanently from Sligo Rovers on a four-and-a-half year deal.
Image source, SNSHibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Rangers at Easter Road on Sunday.
Here are the main points:
Gray admits "there has been a lot of interest" in Kieron Bowie but stresses "he's trained really well and is very much in my plans for the weekend until someone tells me otherwise."
Gray stresses Bowie's "not trained as if he's got eyes anywhere else" but admits the club always "need to be ready" in case players leave.
The Hibs boss is "delighted" to complete the signing of Owen Elding, adding "he's a real exciting talent."
But, Gray doesn't want to "put too much pressure" on the 19-year-old but insists "he'll be excited to get involved as soon as he can."
On last weekend's heavy 4-1 defeat to Falkirk, Gray says "everybody knows the standards and the expectation of this football club" adding "win, lose, or draw you always want to find a way to get better."
Looking ahead to Rangers, Gray acknowledges Danny Rohl's side are "in very good form" and admits his side have "been on the wrong side" of the results between the sides this season and Hibs "will look to put that right this weekend."
On any incomings, Gray stresses "we're working hard towards trying to improve the squad" and get deals done, adding "if deals don't get done it's not through lack of trying."
Despite the signing of young forward Owen Elding, Hibernian head coach David Gray plans for striker Kieron Bowie to be in the squad for Sunday's visit of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership.
Bowie has attracted interest for Serie A in this window and Hellas Verona have already seen a bid turned down by the Edinburgh club.
Hibs fans, we want to know what you've made of the latest developments? Are you happy to see more reinforcements up front? Would you like to see Bowie stay at Hibs beyond this window?
Have your say via this link
Image source, SNSJames Tavernier has scored a penalty in both of Rangers' last two league games, while he last scored in three successive league appearances in April 2024 (four), and last scored a spot-kick in three in a row in November 2023 (four). Of his 90 Scottish Premiership goals, 54 have been penalties, at least 37 more than any other player since his competition debut in August 2016 (Jamie McGrath second with 17).
Rangers have won each of their last six league games, the joint-longest run by any side in this season's Scottish Premiership (Hearts also six from August to October).
Although Hibernian have only lost two of their last 23 home league games (W14 D7), both of those have been against the two Old Firm clubs, going down 0-1 to Rangers in October and 1-2 to Celtic in November. Hibs have only won two of their last 26 home league matches against those two sides (D12 L12).
Rangers are unbeaten in their last 27 top-flight away games at Hibernian (W17 D10) since a 2-1 loss in September 2006 under Paul Le Guen.
Hibernian have only won one of their last 28 Scottish Premiership matches against Rangers (D8 L19), winning 2-0 at Ibrox in April 2025.
Hellas Verona are on the verge of a £6m plus add-ons deal for Hibernian striker Kieron Bowie and the 23-year-old could sign a long-term contract within the next 24 hours. (Scottish Sun)
Hibs are seriously considering Hellas Verona's offer, which they increased by £1m, for Bowie and Fulham, who sold him for £600,00, would receive 25% of the profit if he leaves. (Sky Sports)
Owen Elding was scheduled to have a medical on Wednesday before completing his move to Hibs after Sligo Rovers accepted an offer of around £350,000 up front with add-ons potentially taking it over the £870,000 mark for the 19-year-old striker. (Scottish Sun)
Coventry City midfielder Kai Andrews has agreed a loan move to Hibs, who have beaten off interest from a number of English clubs to land the 19-year-old. (Football Insider)
Danish billionaire Anders Holch Povlsen, who owns Midtjylland, has been in talks with Hibs owner Ian Gordon over how the Easter Road club can grow stronger. (Scottish Sun)
Conversations between Povlsen and Hibs owner Gordon have been informal, there has been no talk of even a minority investment and there is certainly no imminent prospect of any financial deal being struck. (Edinburgh Evening News)
Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.
Image source, SNS
