Hibernian

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Hibs head coach David Gray wants his players to make their own special Scottish Cup memories having experienced his "greatest moment on a football pitch" in the 2016 final.

Gray headed home the winning goal to end Hibs' 114-year wait to win the tournament before lifting the trophy as captain.

The former defender leads Hibs into his first Scottish Cup tie as head coach on Saturday when they welcome West of Scotland Premier Division leaders Clydebank to Easter Road.

"I don't think it's about making it about me at all," he said. "The reality is that because I was part of a team that was fortunate enough to actually achieve something here in a cup competition, I'm able to say that 'it is achievable, we've done it', and how good it can be when that happens.

"It's the greatest moment I've ever experienced on a football pitch, personally. But also for the club, for the supporters, for everyone involved, they're great moments to be involved in. And as players, that's what you look back on.

"Now that I've retired from playing, I look back on what I achieved in my career.

"It's a very lucky position to be in and I feel very privileged to be able to do that, especially when you think back to some of the great players who maybe didn't win anything in their careers.

"To be able to say I have is fantastic. Obviously, we're a long way away from that at the moment. But at the start of every season, it is an objective of ours."

Gray is not going to select a second-string side for the match, despite the gulf between the sides in the Scottish league pyramid.

"I think with the amount of games and fixtures we've had, there is an opportunity to put a bit of freshness, but it will certainly be a really strong side," he added.

"It will be a tough tie. So, it will be a real strong side we put out with full ambition to win the game."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibs head coach David Gray has been talking to the media before his side's Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Clydebank on Saturday.

Here's what he had to say:

• Has made players aware of Clydebank's strengths and says Hibs must "approach the game with the right mentality" as it's a "cup final" for the opposition.

• Hasn't shared any of his memories of the Scottish Cup win in 2016, because he doesn't want to make it about him. Winning a cup is a key objective for the club at the start of every season.

• Gray says he will make changes to promote freshness, but he is keen to build on current momentum and will still select a "really strong side".

• Expects Clydebank to approach the game with confidence given their unbeaten record in the West of Scotland League Premier Division.

• Nicky Cadden will miss the game with a broken nose, but Kieron Bowie and Mykola Kuharevich are available.

Clive Lindsay
BBC Sport Scotland

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For some, barring an upset of historical proportions, progress to the Scottish Cup fourth round is just all about a big pay day and the romance of the cup.

In a previous incarnation, Clydebank were a top-flight club, but only now is the new one beginning to emerge from the Airdrie United takeover that led to their demise 22 years ago and they currently lead the West of Scotland Premier League.

Darvel made the sixth tier famous with their cup upset over Aberdeen a couple of years ago and Gordon Moffat's Bankies might have seen a glimmer of hope when the draw was made with Hibs in the Premiership relegation zone.

However, David Gray's side have since gone seven games unbeaten, winning five of them, to move up into the Premiership's top six, while this will be Clydebank's first competitive game since a 1-1 draw away to Glenafton Athletic on 14 December.

Little chance then of a repeat of Hibs' last meeting with the old Clydebank, when it finished 1-1 at Easter Road before the Leith side won 3-0 in the replay to progress 25 years ago.

Read Scottish Cup preview in full.

Hibernian have matched Djurgarden's £720,000 offer for 17-year-old KuPS midfielder Matias Siltanen. (Fotboll Direkt), external

Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.

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Goalkeeper Andy Leishman is hoping to make his mark in Edinburgh again when Clydebank travel to Hibernian.

The 35-year-old almost helped pull off a shock in 2012 with Auchinleck Talbot before they went down to a 1-0 defeat against Hearts.

"It's three times I've played against Hearts and now we're playing the other side of Edinburgh, so hopefully it's fourth time lucky," he said.

"As long as we try our hardest and give a good account of ourselves, the day will take care of itself."

More than 2,200 fans will travel to the capital to support the West of Scotland Premier Division leaders.

"It's great for the club because they've not experienced this in a long time," Leishman added.

"Hibs are absolutely flying so we've just got to go out there and enjoy the day and see what happens from there."

Aberdeen, Hearts, Hibernian and Rangers are eyeing moves for Luton Town midfielder Allan Campbell, with the 26-year-old interested in a return to his homeland after being sent on loan to Charlton Athletic. (Football Insider), external

Cracovia midfielder Jani Atanasov, a 25-year-old North Macedonia international, is one of several potential signing targets being considered by Hibernian this month. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Hibs striker Josh Landers, who turns 18 next month, has been given permission to travel south for a trial period with West Ham United. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

There is a spring in everyone's step these days down at Easter Road. And rightly so.

After turning around a league campaign that looked destined to be a relegation battle, now all the talk is of looking upwards and chasing fifth, fourth or perhaps even third place.

And after exiting the League Cup early on there should now be a determination to ensure there is a lengthy run in the Scottish Cup.

Of course you need a bit of good fortune with the draw and a home game against Clydebank is probably one of those ties supporters would wish for.

Older readers will remember 'The Bankies' of the 1970s, with the likes of Davie Cooper performing his wizardry on the wing.

Although they have had various reincarnations over the years, the club have recently been performing well in the West of Scotland league and remain unbeaten in their 10 matches played.

Nevertheless this should be a game Hibernian win with some ease and give the home fans a belief another Scottish Cup success can be achieved this season.

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Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

While it wasn't the edge-of-your-seat entertainment that Hibs and Rangers served up last weekend at Easter Road, the Hibees' 3-1 win over Motherwell had more than enough about it to leave the home fans buzzing as they headed out into the cold Leith night.

A quick-fire double in the first half from Martin Boyle and Nectar Triantis put Hibs out of reach of a very lethargic Motherwell, and despite the visitors clawing a second half goal back, Hibs never looked likely to take anything other than three points from the match.

This was as competent and comfortable a win as you'll see in the top flight outside of Rangers and Celtic. Hibs are a side brimming with confidence and despite lining up without key players like Elie Youan, Joe Newell, Marvin Ekpiteta, Mykola Kuharevich, and Keiran Bowie, Hibs still had more than enough to keep Motherwell at bay.

It's testament to the work that David Gray has done with the side that a team that had looked like real relegation contenders are now looking up the table and thinking about whether a European spot is out of the question.

Nobody is getting carried away, though. We only have to look at Aberdeen to see how badly the wheels can come off and so for now, we are all just hoping that this great run carries on for a bit longer, starting with Clydebank in the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

Matty Fairnie can be found at the Longbangers Podcast, external

Hibernian head coach David Gray says winger Martin Boyle, 31, is "really happy" at the club "at this moment in time". (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external

Gray will not let his personal relationship with former Hibs team-mate Boyle influence whether the winger gets a new contract. (Scotsman - subscription), external

Read Tuesday's Scottish gossip

Josh Campbell: Becoming a key player for resurgent Hibs. The 24-year-old academy graduate is finding consistency of performance.

Nectarios Triantis: Another big player in the Hibs revival. His goal against Motherwell was superbly taken - not bad for a converted centre-back. Good news for Hibs that he will stay at Easter Road on loan from Sunderland for the rest of the season.

Martin Boyle: Still can't quite believe he was onside for one of his goals but who am I to argue with the hallowed VAR lines?

And no argument about what a difference the 31-year-old has made in the incredible transformation at Hibs. Looks fresh, reinvigorated and utterly potent - two goals here taking him to seven in the Premiership. Hibs top scorer this season, will he get a new contract?

The Sportscene panel analyse Hibernian's quick-fire double in victory against Motherwell. (UK users only)

Watch highlights of Hibs' 3-1 win against Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership. (UK users only)

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Josh Campbell has admitted he will look at potential transfer interest, despite being under contract at Hibernian until the end of next season.

The 24-year-old came through the youth academy at Easter Road and has made more than 125 appearances for his boyhood club. He agreed a contract extension in 2023 that ties him to Easter Road until the summer of 2027.

"I don't know about interest elsewhere," Campbell told BBC Scotland. "I love being here. This club's looked after me over the years. If something comes up, I'll have a look at it.

"But at the moment, I'm at Hibs."

The midfielder has become a key part of David Gray's side as they've surged up the Premiership table and into the top six with five wins in a seven-game unbeaten run.

Campbell has started the previous six matches and looks back to his best in his regular central position.

"We had this conversation yesterday, me and the gaffer, that I need to find consistency. It's something I've lacked over here," he added.

"I can come in and do good bursts in the team and have bad spells, but I need to find a consistent form. That seven out of 10 performance every week keeps me in the team. I've been doing that.

"I'm trying to get an eight out of 10. If I can get an eight out of 10, I'll take that."

Playing alongside Campbell is Australian Nectar Triantis, in his second loan spell from Sunderland, and boss Gray confirmed after Saturday's win over Motherwell the 21-year-old will remain in Leith until the end of the season.

"He'll still be here, which is great," Gray said. "Even though he is a loan player, I think he's shown he's very much part of the team and really enjoying his football at the moment.

"Obviously, he came over as a centre-back, so we've done a lot of work with him trying to get him into that [midfield] position, and you can clearly see he's getting better and fitter all the time."

We asked for your views on Hibs' 3-1 win against Motherwell.

Here's what some of you said:

Rob: This was an important game to get right after the Rangers result, especially with a weakened Motherwell. Hibs did very well and it could have been sealed by half-time had they got a third. The thin choices from the bench made the end tight as we had to revert to five at the back but fair play to the team and David Gray. Nectar Triantis fantastic again and a key man.

Scott: Gray needs to take a lot of praise for the way he has this Hibs team playing as a unit, every player now knows what they are doing and it is night and day from the early part of the season, another three points. Martin Boyle back to his best, Triantis was a standout in the middle of the park and Rocky Bushiri was solid at the back, great to be a Hibby at the moment.

Johnny: Another great performance from Boyle, back to his best, get him signed up before we miss the boat, nearly halfway through the transfer window and still no signs of any movement, come on Hibs don't wait until the last second and end up with the usual second-rate duds.

John L: Lots to like about the first half, Hibs were cruising. We allowed Motherwell to dictate the tempo of second half, but the back three put in a really good shift. Triantis, Boyle and Bushiri were standouts.

John M: A positive performance. Could not believe how poor Motherwell were in the first half, we should have been further ahead but in the second half Motherwell put in a far better performance leading to their goal. That could have created panic but with poor decision making giving Hibs a penalty the final result was never in doubt. Well done Gray and Hibs.

Allan: First half was clinical and controlled. Took a while to adjust to the new shape from Motherwell in the second half and they were let back into the game. Jordan Smith needs to do better with the goal. With Elie Youan, Kieron Bowie and Marvin Ekpiteta to come back, this squad is now showing that we're capable of finishing in a European spot. Credit to Gray and staff.

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• Martin Boyle has scored seven goals in the Premiership this season (two in this game), more than any other Hibs player.

• Motherwell attempted 411 passes in this game, their highest total in a single match in the Premiership this season.

• Warren O'Hora attempted 82 passes in this game, the highest total for a Hibs player in the Premiership this season.

• Hibs have scored in 18 of their 23 games, only Celtic (20) have scored goals in more matches in the Premiership this season.

Head coach David Gray urges Hibernian to keep climbing the table after they moved into the Scottish Premiership's top six. (Scotsman - subscription), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Hibernian held off Motherwell to extend their unbeaten Scottish Premiership run to seven games and move into the top six for the first time this season.

Two goals in three minutes from Martin Boyle and Nectarios Triantis stunned Motherwell before the break after a drab opening 25 minutes.

The visitors did not register a single shot in the first half but improved markedly in the second after bringing on Marvin Kaleta and Tawanda Maswanhise.

And when Callum Slattery curled in a free-kick from 20 yards on 76 minutes, it looked to have set up a nervy finish.

However, just five minutes later Stephen O'Donnell was penalised for hauling down Lewis Miller in the box, and Boyle stepped up to smash home a penalty and re-establish Hibs' two-goal lead.

Let us know your thoughts on Hibs' performance.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "Full credit goes to the players.

"That's one defeat in 10 so be able to turn around the results and performances from where we were at the start of the season - they deserve the praise for all the hard work they've put in to it, but also the togetherness we've shown. And I include the staff in that.

"But we're by no means the finished article we need to keep progressing and moving forward.

"I thought we were in complete control in the first half. But when it's 2-0 the next goal is always the one.

"From our point of view it was so important to get the third goal because it took Motherwell's momentum away.

"As much as we weren't where we needed to be - we caused ourselves a few problems - credit to Motherwell they threw everything at us.

"We lost the control we had but credit to the boys because the effort and desire to make sure we got the result, after a difficult schedule for everyone."

Thomas Duncan
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibs' revival has been remarkable after starting the campaign looking like a team who would be battling relegation.

Nicky Cadden has been one of the stars of their turnaround, and when he departed after 20 minutes with a facial injury the question was whether others could step up.

Boyle and Triantis have both done so in recent weeks, and again they were at the heart of things.

Having Boyle back to his best, making runs in behind and coming to life in the penalty area, is a huge asset.

And he crept into the box to tap in his sixth Premiership goal and provide the spark after a dire opening quarter. The Australia forward's composure from the penalty spot for the second week in a row proved decisive, too.

Triantis, at just 21, is starting to look the complete midfielder as he gets stuck into challenges, reads play brilliantly, while also making rangy runs forward.

The quality of his finish for the second goal was on par with any forward in the league, and any who doubted Hibs bringing him back after a questionable loan spell last season should now know exactly why Gray opted to do so.

Hibs are now aiming for European football rather than looking over their shoulder after a run of just one defeat in 10 games.

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Hibs are again set to be without Elie Youan (foot) Joe Newell, Mykola Kuharevich (both groin), Marvin Ekpiteta (thigh) and Kieron Bowie (hamstring).

Motherwell defender Liam Gordon (head/neck) is a doubt, while Apostolos Stamatelopoulos (strain), Lennon Miller, Steve Seddon (both ankle), Ross Callachan (hamstring) and Zach Robinson (Achilles) remain out.