Rocky Bushiri embraces the pressure facing Hibernian as they seek to seal third place in the Scottish Premiership. (Record), external
European participation "would mean a lot" to Hibs' Chris Cadden after missing out through injury in the past. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription required), external
Image source, SNSDefender Rocky Bushiri admits he "got a bit emotional" after being named Hibernian's players' player of the year.
The 25-year-old has had a roller-coaster spell at Easter Road but has been crucial for the high-flying Leith side this term as they sit third in the Scottish Premiership.
"I got a bit emotional," Bushiri told HibsTV, external. "I'm very pleased [with my performances], but I want to analyse my season at the end when we've got the job done.
"I will keep focused until the end then there will be time to be happy."
Hibs have a three-point cushion in third prior to the final two games, with David Gray's men travelling to St Mirren on Wednesday before hosting Rangers on Saturday.
"I'm very excited," Bushiri added. "It's a beautiful pressure. Pressure is a privilege.
"It's the most important week of our season and of our lives for some. I hope we will do it."
Martin Boyle has told Hibernian the ball is in their court as he awaits a decision over his future, with the Australia forward out of contract within weeks and with options in the A-League. (Daily Record)
Read the rest of Monday's gossip.
Watch highlights as champions Celtic win 3-1 against third-place Hibs in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)
Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
Image source, SNSMartin Boyle says he would be happy to stay at Hibs beyond the summer as it's a club "close to my heart".
Head coach David Gray said on Friday the club have held "positive" talks with Australia forward Boyle, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign.
"It's been put on hold. I'm just kind of focusing on the last two games of the season," Boyle, 32, told BBC Scotland.
"I am out of contract but we'll see what happens. We'll assess it at the end of the season.
"The club do have a clause to trigger so it's kind of out of my hands. I can't go demanding contracts so we'll see what happens. I've put myself in a good position of scoring goals and creating a lot so we'll see what happens.
"Of course I would [be happy if the clause was triggered]. It's a club close to my heart. I've been here for nearly 10 years now and obviously we want to try and get European football so that would be a good achievement for myself that we haven't done.
"My wife's the captain of the Hibs ladies team our daughters love the club but like you say, it's football, it can be ruthless at times but we'll certainly see what happens."
Boyle admits the prospect of group-stage European football is a massive lure. Hibs remain in third place despite a 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park on Saturday where they led through Boyle's opener before trailing at the break after conceding twice in four minutes.
"It would be nice to have group-stage football," he added.
"It would be great for the club, the attraction of the club. It would be special but we've got two massive games to come to secure that so fingers crossed we can."
On the loss to Celtic, he added: "We gave ourselves a good amount of hope. Obviously we went 1-0 up, but make mistakes and you get punished. So we need to learn from that.
"If you take your eye off the ball you can get punished in an instant here."
We asked for your views on Hibs' 3-1 defeat against Celtic.
Here's what some of you said:
Sandy: The 3-1 loss despite Martin Boyle's goal putting us ahead isn't really a surprise. I did not expect Brendan Rodgers to put out a team like he did. It would grace the Champions League, but Hibs will get over the result. Onwards and upwards.
George: Not the result we hoped for, but, given the quality Celtic have across their squad, result is probably about right. At times, Celtic looked like they had 14 players on the pitch, so easily did they find players in acres of space. We played well in phases, and occasionally a bit of luck seemed to desert us or we played the wrong pass. Two to go, and three or four points from those should see us home and hosed in third.
Bill: To get the first goal was great, but two losses by half-time exposed Rocky Bushiri quite badly. We needed substitutions at half-time, but waiting until 3-1 was much too late. I feel the starting line up was too weak, same as versus Aberdeen.
Image source, SNSCeltic are undefeated in their past four games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 5 January to 15 February, a run of seven games.
Hibs have lost after scoring the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 23 November 2024 against Dundee (14 games without defeat).
Celtic have won after conceding the opening goal in the Premiership for the first time since 6 October 2024 against Ross County (five games without a win).
Jordan Smith made five saves, the first time he has made at least five saves in a match in the Premiership since facing St Mirren on 16 February (six saves).
Hibs head coach David Gray: "The timing of the [first] goal is against us, that was the killer today. Celtic will always have periods when they dominate and we knew that.
"Coming in 2-1 down was a big blow mentally for the players. The goals we lose we have to look at because they were quite soft from our point of view. The reaction second half was positive, but the third goal takes the stuffing out of the game.
"Everyone knows what's at stake, it's the final push of the season, three games in a week. It's about who's got the mentality and I believe the group is good enough to do it."
Image source, SNSNick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSDavid Gray brought Josh Campbell into the side in the hope of getting more legs into the Hibernian midfield and that looked a shrewd change after a brief period of early pressing.
However, too often the visitors were too easy to play through as Celtic continually exploited their high line in the first half.
But even in such a pressurised stage of the season, this is not a result or performance that should cause panic for Hibs.
Their squad strength is something that could see them over the line in the race for third as the second-half introductions of Kieron Bowie, Nicky Cadden and Junior Hoilett raised their game.
Within seconds of coming on, Bowie failed to connect with Cadden's stunning cross before Hoilett struck straight at Kasper Schmeichel from a dangerous position, but Gray's men were unable to find the goal that would have mounted late pressure.
Were you at Celtic Park or following the match elsewhere?
Either way, we want your views on Hibernian's 3-1 defeat at Parkhead – have your say here.
Image source, SNSCeltic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel is back in training after a shoulder injury and Nicolas Kuhn is fit again.
Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston remain sidelined while Dane Murray (knee) is out for the season.
Hibernian forward Elie Youan is back in contention after injury but on-loan Celtic midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu is unable to face his parent club while captain Joe Newell and Rudi Molotnikov (both groin) are still out.
Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSHibs have held "positive" talks with Martin Boyle as they look to secure the Australia forward on a new deal.
The 32-year-old, who is in his second spell at Easter Road, is out of contract this summer and reportedly attracting interest from clubs in Australia's A-League.
"There's been real positive chats with all the [out-of-contract] players, Martin is one of them," said head coach David Gray.
"There's been a lot of positive conversations about futures and where we think the club can go next season and everything else that comes with that.
"We've got a week to go until the end of the season and I'm sure everything will be unveiled after that.
"Right now he's fully focused on playing and my job is to make sure I get the best out of him all the time.
"I'm delighted with where he is mentally, where he is with his performance levels.
"It's just the consistency with it as well, he sometimes gets overlooked or not talked about too much because people see the personality side to him or don't think he's too serious because he likes a laugh or a joke.
"He's very professional in terms of how he goes about his business when he does work. He's been very consistent affecting games of football at this level for a number of years."
Boyle has made 41 appearances this season, scoring 17 goals and contributing 10 assists.
And Gray says the forward has "massively matured" as a result of standing in as skipper during Joe Newell's injury lay-off.
"I think it's 27 goal involvements this season which is some return," added the Hibs boss.
"He had a bit of a slow start to the season with an injury and playing through that but he's massively matured with the extra responsibility this season, he's took that on really well.
"I'm seeing that in his performances right now, his output, his level of commitment, especially the off-the-ball stuff which is not something the fans will always see, but it's something that his team-mates are appreciating.
"I'd like him to stay, he's been fantastic. Going into his 10th season, that's another thing, he's delivered for this football club for a number of years and he's done really well."
Daldeep Kaur
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSHibernian manager David Gray has been speaking to the media ahead of their trip to Celtic on Saturday.
Here are the key lines from his press conference:
Gray knows his side face a daunting challenged at Parkhead - "it's never an easy trip" - but insists they still have "everything to play for" as the frontrunners for third place.
With Aberdeen three points behind and Dundee United six adrift, Gray adds: "It's a massive week in Scottish football, it's still so tight. There's always going to be twists and turns, it's in our hands."
On Hibs getting closer to Celtic's performance levels: "The players take more confidence and belief every time you go, it doesn't make the challenge any easier."
Hibs haven't won a league game at Celtic since 2010 and Gray says: "It's something that we want to change this weekend. We'll certainly be going into the game as underdogs."
He is relishing the opportunity to test himself against "world-class" manager Brendan Rodgers.
Gray doesn't expect Hibs' task to be any easier now Celtic have clinched the title: "They're still under pressure to win games of football, that's the demands of the club."
The Hibs boss wants "fantastic" Martin Boyle to stay and says there's been "positive" chats with all the players set to be out of contract this summer.
Colin Moffat
BBC Sport Scotland
When Celtic beat Hibs 3-0 in Glasgow on 7 December, the length of the Premiership table separated the sides.
Since then no team in the division has collected more points than Hibs as they moved from last to third, having lost just once in 19 league outings and winning 13 of those.
That remarkable sequence includes a 2-1 victory over the champions at Easter Road when David Gray's side turned in a full throttle first-half display against opponents who had suffered midweek Champions League disappointment at Bayern Munich.
Celtic have since had their revenge in the Scottish Cup and knocked Hibs out of the League Cup, too, making it four wins from the five encounters this season.
These two may be the form teams of 2025 but Celtic are undefeated in 21 home games against Hibs in all competitions, winning 17, since a 2-1 upset in January 2010.
With the title wrapped up and the last Old Firm game out of the way, Brendan Rodgers plans to rest a few players with the Scottish Cup final in mind.
That might embolden the visitors, who posed very little threat in that cup defeat in March.
Of course, Gray might think it will be easier to hold out against a team missing a few frontline stars but a cautious approach backfired at Pittodrie recently to end a long unbeaten run.
With a three-point lead over Aberdeen in the race for third and a healthy advantage in goal difference, Hibs may opt to keep the shackles off this time, and, if Celtic have players looking to impress the boss, we could be in for a real treat.
Read all the weekend Premiership picks
Image source, SNSHibernian have opened contract extension talks with Martin Boyle and are hopeful of keeping the 32-year-old for at least one more season. (Scottish Sun), external
But Hibs will face competition from Europe for on-loan midfielder Nectar Triantis if Sunderland decide to sell the 21-year-old Australian this summer. (Mirror), external
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.
Image source, SNSCeltic 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.
What would you like to ask Brian McLauchlin about Hibs?
Our Edinburgh football reporter is in the hotseat ready to answer your questions and offer his insight and opinion on your club.
Image source, SNSHibernian'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
