Hibernian

We asked for your views on Hibernian's 3-3 draw with Dundee United.

Here's what some of you said...

Martin: We like to make things difficult for ourselves. That's not the starting XI I like to see and hopefully David Gray recognises one or two shouldn't be starting. United are decent and will take points off others. At least we got the draw in the end. Both keepers made some brilliant saves.

Scott: Tremendous game of football, both teams due a lot of credit. Too much tinkering with the Hibs team in my opinion. Play your best XI every game - Miguel Chaiwa starts as we're a different team with him in midfield.

Alan: The manager picked the wrong team. The back three looked a bit flat, midfield disjointed and Martin Boyle was a mile off it.

Sandy: Brilliant match and great advert for the Scottish Premier League. However Hibs had an off day defending and the midfield struggled. But Hibs attacking are a force. 3-3 is fair enough. Still unbeaten in the league, sitting in third with a game in hand. I am confident this team has much more to give.

Kenny: We are always going to lose goals at the back. We seem to give the opposition to much room and we can't close forwards down. There needs to be a boss at the back and I'll say it again, Rocky Bushiri is not good enough. He's too slow.

Bobby: Our back three were largely the reason we had a great run last season but it's not the same so far this season, time for a change and Grant Hanley. With 60 odd Scotland caps, he should be playing every week.

Hibernian were without influential midfielder Miguel Chaiwa against Dundee United on Saturday after the summer signing returned late from international duty with Zambia. (Scotland On Sunday), external

Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Hibernian and 10-man Dundee United played out a pulsating and incident-packed Scottish Premiership draw at Easter Road in a breathless 97 minutes.

What did you make of the match?

Give us your thoughts here.

Read the full match report here.

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Hibs head coach David Gray tells Premier Sports: "We got a point out of a game where our character was tested.

"Our defence was poor. The positive I can take is that we came back after finding ourselves 3-1 down.

"I told the players we gave them far too many chances and that we were miles off it today.

"We relied on our goalkeeper heavily in the second half.

"For us, being at home, we weren't good enough defensively, and a lot of that was down to Dundee United being good too, but we need to be better defensively.

"I credit the players with their desire to go and get back into the game, but it feels like we're chasing too much."

On the penalty and the incorrect VAR call in the previous game, Gray adds: "The whole point of VAR is to get decisions right… It's all about accountability, and the officials coming out [to discuss decisions] is important that there is that accountability."

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Hibernian could hand debuts to new loan signings Dan Barlaser and Zach Mitchell. Boss David Gray is hopeful all 12 of his players who have been away on international duty have returned unscathed.

Dundee United remain without Ryan Strain, Isaac Pappoe (both knee), Kristijan Trapanovski, Ross Graham, Max Watters (all hamstring) and Zac Sapsford (ankle).

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St Mirren defender Jayden Richardson was acting like a goalkeeper when stopped a last-gasp shot away to Hibernian and the handball should have resulted in a penalty, according to Scottish FA head of referees Willie Collum.

Richardson blocked a goal-bound shot from Thibault Klidje in the last action of a 1-1 draw at Easter Road on 31 August.

The SFA's key match incident review panel have already confirmed, by a unanimous decision, that the officials were wrong not to award a spot-kick.

And Collum expressed further disappointment in the first of this season's monthly TV reviews.

Analysing the incident on Sky Sports, he referenced "a saving motion" from Richardson.

He said: "The St Mirren player has one intention, it's to stop the shot, to block it almost in the actions like a goalkeeper. And for us this is clearly punishable.

"Yes, the ball hits the chest, then onto the arm, but that's irrelevant for us. People need to understand that every time the ball hits a part of the body and onto the arm, doesn't mean that it's not punishable.

"And the same about proximity as well. You can be close and still be punished in terms of a handball."

Referee Matthew MacDermid did not make any kind of decision, while video assistant referee (VAR) Ryan Lee and assistant VAR Kevin Clancy watched several replays before indicating the full-time whistle could be blown.

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David Gray says the lack of European "distraction" can help Hibs ignite their Premiership campaign against Dundee United on Saturday.

Having begun the league season with victory at Dundee, Gray's side were then held to draws at home by Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

But with their Conference League hopes ended by Legia Warsaw, Gray wants victory over visitors United to spark a winning run as Hibs eye a return to Europe next season.

"The club is in a very good place at the moment. There's no distraction in terms of European football," the head coach said.

"If we want to have success like that again or experience nights like that again, we need to be very good domestically this season.

"That starts by putting on a strong performance and winning games like this at home.

"Dundee United are a very different side this year. Jim Goodwin has put a really good squad together this year, so we're expecting a really tough test.

"Every time we've faced them it's been tight and not always gone the way we wanted it to.

"They're always hard to beat and this team especially is a really fit, strong, physical side.

"We've got a good squad. We want that momentum behind us and we want to be winning games."

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• Hibs have won their past two Scottish Premiership games against Dundee United, their longest top-flight winning run over them since December 2006 (three in a row).

• Dundee United have only lost two of their past 15 top-flight visits to Easter Road (W5 D8), although one of those was their most recent in May.

• Hibs have lost just two of their past 25 league matches (W14 D9), and are unbeaten in five (W1 D4) since a 3-1 defeat to Celtic in May.

• After losing four consecutive league matches between April and May, Dundee United have since lost just one of four (W2 D1), a 3-2 defeat to Hearts on matchday two.

• Dundee United have scored exactly two goals in each of their past four league matches, while they haven't scored 2+ goals in five consecutive matches in the Scottish Premiership since September 2014 – a run of five.

Ex-Hibernian forward Tam McManus was surprised Kieron Bowie did not see action for Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers - but is relieved because he was fearing an injury to the striker that would wreck Hibs' season. (Daily Record)

Former Hibernian manager Nick Montgomery has again teamed up with Ange Postecoglou by taking up a coaching role at the Australian's new club Nottingham Forest. (The Herald)

Read the rest of Thursday's gossip.

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If ever there is a chance for Hibernian to challenge the Old Firm at the top of the table, "this would be the year", suggests former Easter Road midfielder Scott Allan.

City rivals Hearts are level on points with Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while the reigning champions and Rangers have had their critics after failing to qualify for the Champions League.

"Hibs and Hearts are in for third place, but I think maybe both might have other ideas," Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"It just depends, over the course of a season, who manages to stay the course and the same for Rangers and Celtic as well - both going through a time just now where there's a lot of pressure from outside.

"So, if there's ever a chance to maybe go and have a run at it, this would be the year."

Hibs sit unbeaten in third, five points behind the leaders but with a game in hand, and Allan pointed out how well David Gray's side had also played against Midtjylland, Partizan Belgrade and Legia Warsaw in European qualifying.

"They're in a really good place in terms of the calibre of teams they had to play in Europe, to go over there and really compete against them," he said.

"That's built a change in them, they look to have each other's back, the quality they have coming off the bench at times.

"In terms of performances sandwiched between the European ties, David Gray will be happy enough.

"That would be the basic thing, the performances there and having cover in certain positions."

Grant Hanley has yet to start for Hibs, but the centre-half who signed after leaving Birmingham City this summer impressed for Scotland during the international break.

"Grant Hanley was outstanding for the national team against Denmark, but he hasn't even been in the starting team for Hibernian because of how good Rocky Bushiri's been," Allan added.

"So they have cover now and I think that was the biggest thing for Hibs this window. Could they get guys in who can add to the team and they most certainly have done that for me."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

With a gallant but disappointing end to Hibernian's run in Europe the full focus now is on pushing upwards in the Premiership to give themselves another chance next season for adventures abroad.

Many of the performances, particularly away in Europe, have been excellent but surprisingly it's the record at Easter Road coming under scrutiny.

The club's two home Premiership matches this season have brought just two points. You do have to take into account that both these fixtures came after gruelling away matches in Europe.

The Hibs squad now, though, boasts depth all around the pitch and looks ready to make real progress.

At the back the signing of Grant Hanley has offered competition for the likes of Jack Iredale and Warren O'Hora, with Rocky Bushiri looking as solid as ever.

No one knew too much about Miguel Chaiwa before this season, but in his short time at the club the 21-year-old Zambia midfielder has already shown he not only has an eye for goal but is also very strong in the tackle.

With the recent addition of experienced Middlesbrough midfielder Daniel Barlaser that area of the pitch is now well catered for.

Then you look at the attacking areas. Kieron Bowie, Martin Boyle, Junior Hoilett and Jamie McGrath along with record signing Thibault Klidje all know their way to goal and bring excitement to the team.

I've not even mentioned the Cadden twins and their excellent deliveries into the box.

Now the challenge is to chalk up a first home win of the campaign when Dundee United come calling this weekend in good fettle after a derby triumph last time out.

Hibs have won the past two meetings 3-1 but in both matches the result was in doubt until the dying moments.

New Rangers defender Derek Cornelius scored a free-kick winner and Hibernian winger Junior Hoilett featured as Canada defeated Wales in Tuesday's international friendly.

Cornelius, who has joined Rangers on loan from Marseille, struck the only goal of the match in the 41st minute.

Hoilett played the final 25 minutes as a substitute in Swansea.

Twenty-seven year-old Cornelius moves on to 37 caps, with Hoilett, 35, making his 67th senior international appearance.

Both players had featured in Friday's 3-0 friendly win in Romania, with veteran Hoilett again coming off the bench.

Cornelius could make his Rangers debut at home to Hearts on Saturday (15:00 BST), with Hoilett's Hibs hosting Dundee United later in the day (17:45).

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

International week is always a contentious time, with Steve Clarke certain to upset somebody with his Scotland team selection.

As has been the case over recent years, a target for criticism this time was Grant Hanley.

The Hibs player and Scotland Hall of Famer suffers from the old adage 'familiarity breeds contempt' and folk are quick to question his inclusion in the national team.

Hanley, for his part, took the opportunity to show exactly why he was picked with an outstanding performance against Denmark.

The big centre-half strolled the game and played a huge part in Scotland's clean sheet. His performance will have given David Gray food for thought on how to start him in games for Hibs without upsetting a decent looking backline.

Scotland failed to score against Denmark, and I can't be the only Hibee wondering why Kieron Bowie didn't feature in Copenhagen or in the 2-0 victory over Belarus.

The young striker has been outstanding for Hibs and offers a goal threat that the current incumbents don't possess.

Bowie will lead Hibs' hopes this weekend as domestic action resumes with the visit of Dundee United. It's another tough test for Gray's side, but one we can take three points from.

We were deprived of a further two points (on the assumption we'd have scored the penalty) after being denied a late spot-kick last time out against St Mirren, a decision now deemed incorrect by the SFA's key match incidents panel.

Hopefully the players feel frustrated about that and take it out on United, where I hope to see the game decided on what the players, rather than the officials, do.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast., external

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Hibs should have been awarded a penalty in last month's Premiership draw against St Mirren, the Scottish FA's key match incident panel have said.

The Easter Road side thought they were about to be awarded a spot-kick for handball in the closing stages of the match after Thibault Klidje's shot struck Jayden Richardson's arm, but referee Matthew MacDermid was told there was no foul play by the VAR.

"VAR has been brought in to improve the game, and today I don't think it's helped," head coach David Gray said after the incident.

Now, the three members of the SFA's panel - which reviews all major incidents from the Scottish Premiership - have unanimously ruled that the wrong decision was made.

"The panel unanimously agreed that the on-field decision was incorrect," the verdict said.

"The panel highlighted VAR was incorrect not to intervene to recommend an [on-field review] and a penalty should have been awarded for handball."

The funeral of former Hibs chairman and Scottish FA president Rod Petrie took place on Monday, with the cortege passing by the East Stand at Easter Road before a service in his memory at Mansfield Traquair.

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Daniel Barlaser says his loan switch to Hibs came totally out of the blue.

The Middlesbrough midfielder was Hibs' final signing of the summer transfer window and he says the club's success last season encouraged him to move north of the border.

"I was playing golf and my agent texted me saying that Hibs were interested, and I just gave them the go-ahead to proceed," Barlaser said.

"Thankfully, we got the deal done 10 minutes before the deadline, so it was quite stressful, but I am delighted to be here.

"This will be my first taste of Scottish football, and I really wanted to do it here at Hibs – that was a big pull for me. I saw how well the club did last season, achieving European football and I have seen videos of the fans, so I just thought it was a great club to come to."

The former Newcastle and Rotherham player revealed that current and former Hibees endorsed the move.

"I played with Grant Hanley previously at Newcastle, and Dwight Gayle was there too," Barlaser said.

"He actually texted me saying how much I would enjoy it and what a great club it was."

Hibernian "tried to do their best" to sign Lyndon Dykes, 29, according to the Scotland forward, who says he will continue to give his all for Birmingham City. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

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Hibernian sporting director Malky Mackay insists the club are in a good place after the summer transfer window but didn't rule out dipping into the free transfer market.

The Edinburgh club signed six new players this summer while also securing new deals for important players such as Rocky Bushiri and Junior Hoilett.

And Mackay was thrilled to keep together the core group of players that secured a third place finish in the top flight last term.

"Going into the new season with the group that finished third mostly still here is terrific for the club," the sporting director told HibsTV, external.

"I think it's very important for the manager, for the club, for the continuity, the fact that group all came back in here on day one of pre-season, they've had really good success together and understanding how to win.

"Any manager will tell you if you can manage to keep a good group together for a period of time then really good things can happen. I was delighted to get the core of that group back in here on day one of pre-season."

Mackay also shed some light on the Hibs' pursuit of Scotland international Lyndon Dykes.

"We had conversations with Lyndon and Birmingham and we didn't manage to get there in the end," he added.

"So we move on from that. We have a good squad, I'm delighted with the squad we've got for the first half of the season. We have a leaner squad but a much stronger squad."

Even though the transfer window has closed, there's still an opportunity for deals to be done for out of contract players and Mackay suggested Hibs are still open to new arrivals.

"We will look at that to see if there's anyone we feel could add to our group," he said.

"I need a high bar to come into this football club and play for this football team so we'll see if anyone manages to attain that.

"To get anywhere near a first team jersey at this football club you have to be at that level."

Manchester City have agreed a deal to buy Hibernian goalkeeper Ben Vickery, 17. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Meanwhile, Hibs midfielder Jacob MacIntyre, 19, has moved to Arbroath on loan. (Edinburgh Reporter), external

Hibernian's Scotland defender Grant Hanley says games like Friday's 0-0 draw with Denmark "suit me". (Record), external

Midfielder George Hall, 21, turned down Aberdeen and Hibernian before joining Port Vale from Birmingham City. (Press and Journal - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Hibernian have announced the loan signing of Zach Mitchell from Charlton Athletic for the duration of the 2025-26 season.

Mitchell, 20, has previously had loan spells with Colchester United and St Johnstone.

"We're delighted to bring Zach into the building," Gray said.

"Zach is a player that caught my eye during his brief spell at St Johnstone last season. He is a young defender with some great attributes and will add extra versatility, strength and depth to our back line.

"He is a young defender who is comfortable on the ball and has a good physical presence. We're all looking forward to working with him."

New Hibernian player Miguel Chaiwa, 21, has "all the right tools to be a top midfielder", says head coach David Gray. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Thursday's Scottish gossip

We asked for your views on Hibernian's business in the summer transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Craig: I am deeply disappointed the club was unable to secure the loan signing of Lyndon Dykes. He was an ideal fit for the position we urgently needed to fill following Mykola Kukharevych's departure. The delay in opening negotiations and leaving matters until late on Monday evening significantly reduced the likelihood of a successful outcome. This was a missed opportunity that should have been handled with far greater urgency.

George: Looks good but, as always, players have to step up and perform, both in training and when selected. As we remember well, it hasn't always turned out that way. Those who have been selected so far, look the business, so hopes for a successful season are high. Is second do-able? We need to start putting away chances for that hope to solidify.

Kenny: I would like to think so but I would have preferred a centre forward. We have been lacking in this position for a while now. Kieron Bowie is an inside man and would flourish playing off a good centre. We create lots of chances but don't put them away. There are plenty of players out there we could have had on loan.

Mark: The Scottish and home-based signings, the type of signings we should be making, seem to have settled in well. Missing out on Dykes is a big disappointment, as I think he would have given us an extra edge that we need. It's weird that we can't get a loan like that over the line, yet once again we seem willing to throw lots of money at signings from abroad who are much less likely to settle in and do well for us.

Albert: Overall, it has been a great transfer window for Hibs. Not getting Nectar Triantis back seemed a big blow at the time but after the first few showings of Miguel Chaiwa those feelings have subsided. Good experience signed in Grant Hanley at the back and Josh Mulligan looks equally as useful at right wing-back as he does in the middle of the park. Jamie McGrath has also looked good and the more I see of Thibault Klidje, the more I like. Getting Dykes would have made it a 10 out of 10 window but nine out of 10 is still good.

Michael: Every player we have brought in will be a quality addition to the squad, I just wish there was more of them. I still think the squad is quite thin in terms of numbers and cover. We haven't relaxed Lewis Miller and disappointed not to get the Dykes deal over the line.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

Hibs' transfer deadline day was dominated by the ultimately futile pursuit of Scotland striker Lyndon Dykes.

It was reported the player was keen on the move, but Hibs couldn't agree the terms of the loan with Birmingham.

As with the last summer transfer window, where Hibs pushed to sign Luke McCowan only to lose out on the midfielder to Celtic with no time to source a replacement, the club's unwillingness to meet Birmingham's demands - which you have to assume changed late in the process - means David Gray exits the transfer window without the extra striker he wanted.

It would be hard to believe, though, that Hibs aren't working on options that didn't need rushed through last night.

Hibs have been pretty good about going about their business recently, and we did make one last-minute addition as midfielder Dan Barlaser joined on loan from Middlesbrough, so I think they've earned the benefit of the doubt that they did the right thing last night.

We've had a great window overall. Re-signing Rocky Bushiri was massive and real quality was added in Josh Mulligan, Jamie McGrath and Miguel Chiawa – not to mention breaking our transfer record on Thibault Klidje.

Like every manager, Gray will have wanted another couple in but I think he'll be happy with what he has to work with.

And with Europe now out the way after a magnificent effort in Poland last week, Sir David can now focus on repeating last season's successful league campaign.

On that note, Gray needs VAR to work as it should as much as he needs the right players. The decision to deny Hibs a late penalty on Sunday for what looked an obvious handball had punters and pundits alike scratching their heads.

Surely we can finally have a season where VAR isn't taking centre stage?

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast., external