Hibernian

BBC Scotland's Edinburgh football reporter Brian McLauchlin has been answering some of your Hibs questions.

Stuart asked: Has there been much talk or discussions between Hibs and Sunderland regarding Nectar Triantis? A player we should be going all out for considering his progression and his age.

Gordon asked: What are the chances of us keeping hold of Martin Boyle, Rocky Bushiri, and signing Triantis on a permanent basis?

Brian answered: There is no doubt the form of Triantis has been one of the key reasons for the Hibs revival this season.

The Australian has been a standout performer since being moved into midfield and has made the long-term loss of Joe Newell through injury much easier to cope with.

His nomination for Scottish Football Writers' Association player of the year is an outstanding effort and well deserved after some sterling performances.

Having two years left on his current deal with Sunderland means he is likely to head back down the road once the season ends.

And with the Black Cats still in with a chance of promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, a decision of the future of Triantis may have to wait.

That said, should Hibs try to buy the Sydney-born player then they may have to pay £3-£4m as this is the figure Sunderland will be looking for should they decide to move him on.

And there will undoubtedly be other clubs aware of his talents, with Hibs likely to be priced out of any deal.

However, if they can find a way to get him back for next season they should grab the opportunity with both hands as he would be a great asset for David Gray.

On Bushiri, he has been a standout performer since the change of system and the club would like to keep him. However, like Triantis, he will have suitors elsewhere and the decision will be his on whether he stays at Easter Road.

Boyle is another player who has a decision to make. The club hold an option on the winger for another year but talks are already under way with an outcome likely before the end of May.

Alan asked: Do you think that Hibs can maintain and even advance their performance (on and off the park) and firmly establish the club as, say, top four?

Brian answered: After a difficult couple of seasons Hibs have proven for the last six months they are on the right track.

And there is no reason to feel this won't continue into the next campaign. Third place in the Premiership is the best clubs outside the Old Firm can hope for.

This should be the target and if all goes to plan this summer Hibs will again be one of the favourites for this spot.

Kieran asked: Given the position Hibs are in and where they could potentially finish the season, do you think they are capable of keeping this momentum up into next season, especially considering there is a good chance of European football?

Brian answered: Following up a good season is always difficult. With some new players bedding in and European qualifiers to tackle, the challenge of matching the previous campaign will be one the Hibs management are well aware of.

Being able to handle a busy domestic season alongside competing in Europe is a task Scottish clubs have struggled with in recent years.

This will be a tough test for Hibs and both Malky Mackay and David Gray will be working hard to ensure as best as possible the club come through both challenges.

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• Celtic have won six of their past seven meetings with Hibs in all competitions, although the exception was the last league match between the two, a 2-1 Hibs win in February. Not since 1950-51 have the Hoops lost successive league meetings with Hibs within a single season.

• Hibs are winless in 21 away games at Celtic in all competitions (D4 L17) since a 2-1 victory in January 2010. They have lost their past seven successive trips by an aggregate score of 23-4.

• Celtic have scored 58 goals in their 17 home league games this season (3.4 per game), last scoring more in 2003-04 under Martin O'Neill (62).

• Since their last league visit to Celtic in early December, Hibs have lost just one of their 19 league games (W13 D5), picking up more points in the Premiership than any side since that match (44).

• Adam Idah has scored three goals in Celtic's past two league games, as many as his previous 20 Premiership appearances combined beforehand. He is looking to score in three successive matches in the competition for the second time, after doing so in February.

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Hibernian's Nectar Triantis and head coach David Gray have been nominated for this year's Scottish Football Writers' Association end-of-season awards.

Australian defensive midfielder Triantis has been shortlisted for player of the year along with Celtic duo Daizen Maeda and Callum McGregor, plus Dundee striker Simon Murray.

The 21-year-old has become an integral part of Gray's side after a tough start to the campaign, with the Leith club now riding high in third amid a remarkable run of form.

Hibs boss Gray, who was also nominated for the PFA Scotland manager of the year prize won by John McGlynn, is vying for the SFWA's equivalent with the Falkirk boss as well as Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers and Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin.

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

After the disappointment of seeing a fantastic unbeaten run come to an end at Pittodrie, it was essential Hibs got back to winning ways against fellow third-place hopefuls Dundee United.

The last game had been dominated by the reaction to VAR's intervention to disallow a United goal after the eagle-eyed operator spotted the ball striking the arm of United's would-be scorer Sam Dalby.

Hibs' performance in that 3-1 win was overshadowed by the hard luck stories, so it was great to see a repeat of the scoreline with no controversy around it at Easter Road on Saturday.

Hibs were tremendous, doing to United what we had done to their neighbours last time out at Easter Road and seeing them off with the minimum of fuss.

We've seen Hibs sides crumble in the past when we've conceded a goal at 2-0 up, but Sir David Gray made sure there was no chance of that when he flexed the quality of his squad with some inspired substitutions.

Hibs were well worth the win that tightened their grip on third place. With Aberdeen coming back down to earth with a bump in Paisley, we have third firmly in our hands now, and while we take nothing for granted it's a great position to be in so close to the end of the season.

Jack Iredale won the PFA Scotland goal of the season award on Sunday night for his wonder strike against Hearts that decided the last Edinburgh derby of the season.

It was a special goal from a player who has enjoyed a great debut season at the club.

With Grant Scott winning the SWPL manager of the year award for a great season with Hibs Women, it was a shame to see Gray miss out on the men's award – he's had a brilliant first campaign in charge, and it would have been fitting recognition for the work he's done.

Matty Fairnie can be found at Longbangers, external

According to reports in Poland, Hibernian have enquired about Legia Warsaw striker Migouel Alfarela, but the 28-year-old Frenchman, currently on loan at Greek side Kallithea, is valued at over £1m. (Scottish Sun), external

Read the rest of Tuesday's Scottish Gossip

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Hibernian strengthened their grip on third place with an impressive win against Dundee United, and two of their stars make my team of the week.

At the back, Jack Iredale brought quality and assurance as he has done all campaign. He's had a superb season.

As has Martin Boyle, who took his goal tally to 18 - for club and country - in what could be his final term at Easter Road.

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Finishing third with Hibernian would cap off a dream season for Jack Iredale after the defender won the PFA's Scottish Premiership goal of the season award for his stunning derby winner against Hearts.

After a tough start to the campaign, the 29-year-old has become a key part of David Gray's side as a remarkable run of form has surged the Leith club up the top-flight table.

Iredale's beauty of a strike earned a 2-1 win over Hibs' Edinburgh rivals in March, which was part of a 17-game unbeaten league run.

A recent defeat at Aberdeen last month ended that record-equalling form, but Gray's men remain in the driving seat for third after responding with a 3-1 victory over Dundee United on Saturday.

On securing the goal of the season prize, Iredale said: "Incredible, it's one of the first individual trophies I've won in my football career.

"You could see by everyone's reaction that they didn't really expect it from me, so that's why it holds more weight. I've been trying to replicate it in training and none of them have come off yet."

And on the prospect of securing third spot this season, the defender added: "I'm confident in the team. Playing in Europe is any player's dream. It's definitely something we want to achieve in the dressing room."

The Sportscene panel analyse the performance of both Hibs and Dundee United after the Edinburgh side ran out 3-1 winners at Easter Road.

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Watch all the highlights from Hibs' 3-1 victory over Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership.

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We asked for your views on Hibernian's 3-1 win over Dundee United. Here's what some of you said:

George: Great all round performance. Back in the formation that, quite simply, works for these players. United had a good 20 minutes early in the second half when they scored their goal, but we didn't look like losing this at any juncture. Big one next week but we look strong and organised so we'll give Celtic a game.

Colin: Today was all about the bounce-back from last week's loss and we got the result we deserved. Dominant first half but lost control of first 15 minutes of second. Our subs stabilised our game and the third goal settled any nerves.

John: Brilliant and essential win in the race for third. Hibs were excellent in the first half and deserved to be ahead. Utd had to improve and they did for a spell but David Gray got his subs spot on - as he usually does - and they helped turn the tide back in Hibs' favour.

Allan: First half was exactly what was needed after last weekend. Controlled, disciplined, and simply better all over the park. The players were excellent in their attitude and desire to win. The players on our bench would start for most other teams in the league. David Gray changed it at the right time and fully justified why he's in the running for Manager of the Year. Third place is very much ours to lose.

Rory: David Gray has done something with this team that's so rare - we're calm and consistent, like the man himself. We don't feel panicked when we lose a goal and when our unbeaten run came to an end, we answered with a win the next week, which is more than can be said for some teams. November feels like so long ago...

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Hibs have to make sure they finish in third place this season, says Hibs striker Myko Kuharevich.

The 3-1 win over Dundee United on Saturday moved the Easter Road side three points clear of Aberdeen in fourth after they were beaten by St Mirren.

Kuharevich, who was back in the starting line-up, scored Hibs' second goal of the afternoon.

"It was a massive win," he said. "We had to reflect on our loss last week and we did that well, and we fully deserved to win.

"The goal has given me confidence so I'm really happy for myself, I'm really happy to help the team with my goal."

Kuharevich scored the second goal in the win - his third goal against United in six appearances against them. It was also his first goal since he scored against the Tangerines in February.

"Every goal is massive," he added. "I want to thank the boys who support me every day and supported my goal like they scored themselves.

"It's a very good feeling for the team, we just try to enjoy it, we try to win every game and get what we can get.

"It's massive for the club. No one said it before but we just wanted to achieve as much as we possibly can. We have made a platform to finish the season very well and we need to make sure we finish in third place."

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• Martin Boyle scored his 12th goal of the Premiership this season, more than any other Hibernian player. The forward has contributed to goals in his last five home games in the Premiership (three goals, two assists).

• Hibernian have avoided defeat in their last 13 matches when scoring first in the Premiership, since a 1-4 loss to Dundee on 23 November 2024. They are also unbeaten in their last 27 Premiership matches when leading at half-time (W20, D7) dating back to 18 March 2023 against Celtic (L1-3).

• David Gray's side have stopped the opposition from scoring a first-half goal in 21 of their 35 games, only Celtic (25) have done this more often in the Premiership this season.

• Nicky Cadden has assisted his sixth goal at the Premiership this season, no Hibernian player has more.

• Hibernian have scored 16 goals via substitutes in the Premiership this season, only Celtic (22) have scored more.

• Dundee United have failed to win any of their last six matches when conceding first in the Premiership, since a victory over Dundee on 2 January 2025.

• Jim Goodwin's side have failed to score a first-half goal in 23 of their 35 games, only St. Johnstone (25) have failed to score more often in the Premiership this season.

Hibs fans, were you at Easter Road on Saturday or following the action from home? Either way we want your views on the performance. What did you make of the game? How confident are you of a third placed finish?

Let us know your thoughts

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Hibernian head coach David Gray: "The result was the most important thing, the reaction from the players to the defeat last weekend.

"Everyone was looking to see how this Hibs team would bounce back and I got that today.

"Credit to Dundee United in the second half, they got a bit of a foothold in the game and we lose a really poor goal. For what we had done in the first half we knew it was half a job, we knew we needed to go out with the same mentality in the second half. For United to get the next goal, the players showed me massive character to make sure we saw the game out. It was a massive team performance.

"I'm delighted for the players, they gave me everything I asked them to do before the game. I challenged them for a reaction and for the three points today and they delivered that.

"The fans have been on this rollercoaster season with us and they were massively pushing the side forward. There were lulls in the game and you could hear them singing to get the players over the line.

"Until it's mathematically done [third place] we need to keep pushing and taking it one game at a time because there's still improvements to come."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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This was just what the doctor ordered for home boss David Gray, who'll have done his manager of the year credentials no harm at all with the way he got his side to bounce back from last week's tough defeat by Aberdeen.

His side had energy, ideas and organisation - in stark contrast to their opponents in the first 45. It's not difficult to see why Hibs have risen to favourites for third: strong and calm in midfield, pacy and dangerous up front, they have goals all over the team and a solid foundation at the back with Warren O'Hora, Rocky Bushiri and Jack Iredale.

Yes, Hibs were given absolute gifts by United but you still have to be clinical enough to take them, with Myko Kuharevich keeping his cool to score on the run for the second.

The momentum built up by their long undefeated streak hasn't been punctured too badly by that Pittodrie defeat, and on this evidence, Hibs won't fear anyone, even if their next match is another trip to face champions Celtic.

Head coach David Gray reminds his Hibernian players "we've not done anything yet" as they aim to maintain their position of third in the league and qualify for the Europa League. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Hibernian pair Elie Youan and Lewis Miller are back in contention after injury, but captain Joe Newell (groin) and Kwon Hyeok-kyu (ankle) are set to remain sidelined.

Dundee United are without Ross Graham (hamstring) and Luca Stephenson (hernia) but Lewis Fiorini could play some part.

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

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David Gray says he's "very flattered" to be nominated for PFA Scotland's Manager of the Year award.

Brendan Rodgers and John McGlynn make up the shortlist alongside the Hibernian manager who has team in third place and pole position for European football.

Thirty-six-year-old Gray says "there's no higher accolade," and insists it is a reflection on his players after a difficult start to the season.

"I'm very flattered, there's no higher accolade than fellow managers voting for you," said Gray.

"I'm very humbled to be in that position, when I think about how difficult the job is at every single level, every single club.

"It's also a reflection on the group, the hard work of the players. The players are the ones that go over the line every week and have to try and put the game plan in place to try and get the positive results.

"They're the ones that have to deliver it and then the hard work of every single member of staff in the building every single day and the stadium.

"They are all pulling in the same direction. I'm the one that when things are going well people will talk about, the players as well, and when things go wrong it falls on my responsibility so that's something we've done really well.

"I'm very flattered but also very appreciative of all the hard work of everybody at the football club, because it's a reflection on that."

Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland

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David Gray has been speaking to the media ahead of Dundee United's visit to Easter Road on Saturday.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

• On their 1-0 loss against Aberdeen last weekend, their first league defeat in 2025, he says "nothing's different except the mood after the game, a feeling we've not had for a while."

• Despite Dundee United's 5-0 defeat against Celtic, Gray is expecting "a really tough game" but one that will be "brilliant to be involved in."

• On adding to the squad in the summer the Hibs boss maintains his "full focus is on the next four cup finals between now and the end of the season."

• Gray says he's "very flattered and humbled" to be nominated for manager of the year and it reflects "on the hard work of the group."

• He wants to "take advantage" of being at home at the weekend and "get the crowd right behind us."

• On being favourites to win he says "it's two teams with everything to gain and everything to lose."

• As the league table is so tight he says "every single team has got something to play for, you want to try and finish as high as you can, as best of the rest."

• Lewis Miller and Elie Youan are back in training and he says "we're all positive and moving in the right direction."

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A first Premiership defeat of 2025 for Hibernian at Pittodrie last weekend has opened the door for Aberdeen and Dundee United in the race to finish best of the rest.

With four games remaining, just three points cover the trio, so this is a biggie at Easter Road.

Did the pressure of extending their unbeaten league run to a club record 18 games get to Hibs last time, or was it overconfidence in their game management?

Either way, David Gray's side appeared cautious away to the Dons and were undone by a special goal from Kevin Nisbet.

Expect the approach to change this time as Hibs aim for a seventh successive home league victory, something they haven't done in more than seven years.

Those six previous matches on their own turf have yielded 16 goals, with a mere three against.

A highly dubious VAR-awarded penalty late in the game earned Jim Goodwin's side a third consecutive draw at Easter Road in November and United have lost just one of their past 14 top-flight trips to EH7, winning five of those.

A forensic VAR intervention at Tannadice in February denied United a second goal, with Hibs making the most of that lucky escape with two late goals in a 3-1 win, so maybe it's true what they say about decisions levelling out across the season.

United's thumping by Celtic has extended Hibs' handsome goal difference advantage, so a home win here could leave the visitors with too much ground to make up.

Goodwin's side are seeking a third away win on the bounce and kept three successive clean sheets before the champions turned it on for their title party.

The visitors have already exceeded the expectations of a promoted side and much of that success has come from a defensive stodginess.

United may be guarded after shipping five goals to Celtic, but that doesn't mean they can't mix it.

And, with five of the 11 goals these two have dished up in this season's three prior matches coming on or after 90 minutes, don't even think about leaving early to beat the traffic.

Read all the Scottish Premiership picks here

Hibernian defender Kyle McClelland is attracting interest from the Scottish Championship as the 23-year-old nears the end of his contract while on loan to Coleraine. (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Friday's Scottish gossip.

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• After their 3-1 win in February, Hibs could pick up back-to-back top-flight victories over Dundee United for the first time since winning three in a row over them in 2006.

• Dundee United have only lost one of their past 14 away top-flight trips to Easter Road (W5 D8), going down 2-1 in November 2012.

• Hibs have won their past six home league games, their longest run in the Scottish Premiership since winning seven in succession from January to April 2018 under Neil Lennon.

• Dundee United have won their past two away league outings, last winning more in a row in the Scottish Premiership on their travels in August 2020 (four). However, the Tangerines are winless in 16 away games in the competition against the four sides currently above them in the table (D6 L10) since a 3-0 win at Hibs in October 2021.

• Hibs remain unbeaten in their past 16 top-flight home games against newly-promoted opponents (W6 D10) since a 1-0 defeat to Ross County on Boxing Day 2012.