A goalkeeper, attacking midfielder and striker are Hibernian's priorities during the January transfer window. (Not The Old Firm), external
Read Friday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Hibernian rescued a draw at 10-man St Johnstone to extend their unbeaten run to five games and leave the Perth club five points adrift at the bottom of the Scottish Premiership.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in 41 minutes when Jason Holt's sliding challenge on Chris Cadden was upgraded from a yellow card to red after referee Lloyd Wilson was sent to the monitor to review his decision.
Hibs had the better of the chances in the first half and forced Saints to clear off the line twice.
But Simo Valakari's side stunned the visitors in first-half stoppage time when captain Nicky Clark sent Jordan Smith the wrong way from the spot after Rocky Bushiri fouled Jack Sanders in the penalty box.
Martin Boyle thought he had got the visitors level when he fired beyond Josh Rae, but the goal was disallowed because Junior Hoilett, who was in an offside position, got a touch on the ball before it fell to Boyle.
With time running out, Dwight Gayle hauled Hibs level when he sidefooted Nectarios Triantis' header beyond Rae.
Hibs fans, did you make the trip to Perth or were you following the action from home? Either way we want your thoughts on your side's performance.
Image source, SNSHibernian manager David Gray: "I think when you see the way the game went, I thought we started it quite well then gave St Johnstone a couple of opportunities.
"Once the red card happens we gave them a real opportunity just before half-time. That gave St Johnstone something to hold onto in the second half and completely changed the game.
"The penalty was very sloppy from our point of view and gave St Johnstone a real lift.
"I thought we threw everything at it in the second half. A point on the road is by no means a disaster but probably feels like it because you're playing against 10 men for a long period of time. We're still unbeaten in five games so there's positives to take.
"Yes we're disappointed because we felt like we dropped points but we've come a long way in a short period of time."
Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSIf you're not going to win a game, you better not lose it, and that's what Hibs demonstrated in Perth.
After going behind practically on the half-time whistle, David Gray's side found a way back into the game and, on the balance of the second half, will be frustrated not to take all three points back to Edinburgh.
But after results elsewhere, Hibs will continue looking up the table with just two points separating them from Motherwell in sixth spot.
Next up, though, is a visit from Rangers where Gray's side will need to put in a much-improved performance in front of goal.
Image source, SNSThe Australia winger has gone off the boil a bit this season, but Martin Boyle has bubbled back into form just at the right moment to help inspire a mini-revival that has eased pressure on head coach David Gray.
Indeed, of the current Hibs squad, only Nicky Cadden has scored more than his three league goals, while he is equal with Jordan Obita's three assists.
However, the Edinburgh-born 31-year-old's future is clouded by his desire to some day play in his father's home country and reported A-League interest last summer.
Other contracts expiring: Dwight Gayle, forward; Junior Hoilett, forward; Chris Cadden, defender; Jake Doyle-Hayes, midfielder; Rocky Bushiri, defender; Lewis Miller, defender; Harry McKirdy, forward; Max Boruc, goalkeeper; Nohan Kenneh, midfielder; Luke Amos, midfielder.
Read more: Premiership summer free agents facing uncertain January
Image source, SNSJake Doyle-Hayes is moving on from Easter Road
Midfielder Jake Doyle-Hayes has departed Hibernian by mutual consent, the club have announced.
The 26-year-old Irishman made almost 70 appearances for Hibs after joining from St Mirren in 2021.
And head coach David Gray told the club website: "It has been a frustrating few years for Jake where he has struggled with injuries and for regular game time.
"We agreed that the termination of his contract was best for both parties to allow him to move on and explore the next steps of his playing career.
"I would like to thank Jake for his efforts and what he has given to the club over the years. This fresh start will be good for him and we wish him all the very best for the future."
Meanwhile, Josh O'Connor has also left Hibernian on a permanent basis. The forward, 20, has joined Crusaders and Hibs will be entitled to a sell-on fee should O'Connor be purchased from the Northern Irish club.
Image source, SNSNohan Kenneh has returned to Ross County on loan from Hibernian for the remainder of the season.
The 21-year-old midfielder previously made 18 appearances for County after joining on a six-month loan in January 2023.
"We are pleased to bring Nohan back to the club," said manager Don Cowie.
"He had a really positive impact on the team in his first spell and played an important part in retaining our Premiership status. He helps to bring a different dimension to our midfield area."
Matty Fairnie
Fan writer
What a week it's been for Hibs, a Boxing Day Derby win over struggling Hearts lifted the spirits before a hard-fought win over in-form Kilmarnock brought the curtain down on what's been a largely disappointing 2024.
Despite the lows of the year, Hibs finished 2024 on an almighty high, winning our first derby at Tynecastle Park in exactly five years with an impressive performance that was capped by a goal of the highest quality from veteran striker, Dwight Gayle.
The former Newcastle United forward guided a brilliant Nicky Cadden cross past Craig Gordon with the deftest of touches to send the away end into raptures and gave Hibs a deserved win.
The post-match scenes were terrific, with Rocky Bushiri leading the celebrations with the Hibs support.
It's a scene that was barely imaginable just a few weeks back as Hibs toiled at the foot of the table after a nightmare performance in Dundee.
Since then, we've not looked back, with only a defeat to Celtic showing as a blip on the form guide, and we now find ourselves in touching distance of a top six spot.
It's been a fantastic period for David Gray and his team, and we go into January in great condition and full of hope for the rest of the season.
Matty Fairnie can be found at the Longbangers podcast, external
Hibernian are considering a pre-contract move for Zander Clark with the Scotland goalkeeper frustrated by his current lack of game time with city rivals Hearts, while Rotherham United's Cameron Dawson could arrive as early as next month with summer loan signing Josef Bursik out of the picture after a horrific start to his time in Scotland. (Edinburgh Evening News), external
Out-of-favour midfielder Luke Amos has taken to social media to confirm that he will be looking to leave Hibernian in January, less than a year into his 18-month contract. (Daily Record), external
Read Tuesday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSSt Johnstone have lost both of their last two league meetings with Hibernian; the Saints last lost three in a row to Hibs in the top-flight in September 2009.
Hibernian have won six of their last nine Scottish Premiership away games at St Johnstone (D1 L2), including a 3-1 victory most recently in April 2024.
St Johnstone have won their opening league game in just one of the last 11 calendar years (D3 L7), beating Livingston 1-0 in 2019.
Hibernian are winless in their opening league game in each of the last four calendar years (D1 L3) since a 2-1 win over Hamilton to start 2020.
The side scoring first has won each of the last five league meetings between St Johnstone and Hibernian since a 1-1 draw in April 2023.
Watch Sportscene analysis of Hibs' 1-0 win against Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
(Available to UK users only).
Image source, SNSFormer Rangers and Motherwell striker Ross McCormack is delighted to see Chris Cadden back playing regularly.
McCormack, who left Motherwell in 2008, returned on loan in 2019 and played alongside Cadden who is now at Hibs.
The right-back spent almost a year on the sidelines after rupturing his ACL in May 2023 following a difficult few years with injury but since his return in February he's been an important member of Hibs' XI.
"When I went back on loan to Motherwell, Chris was there and he was going through a really tough period at the time," McCormack told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.
"He was coming back from a long-term injury. So for me, for me personally, to see what he's doing now back in the team after such a long layoff like that, it's really, really good to see."
McCormack has also been really impressed with the defender's brother Nicky Cadden.
"Talking about the other Cadden on the left," he added.
"I've seen it countless times this season when he just takes it out of his feet and just bends it around and if you can make that run and be even only half, not even half, a second across that defender you've got a chance.
"He's been brilliant he's been absolutely fantastic."
With the January transfer window fast approaching, where does your club need to strengthen?
Who do you want brought in and who - if anyone - is it time to ship out?
Image source, SNSNectarios Triantis says Hibs' persistence is finally paying off after they recorded four wins in a row for the first time in over two years.
After a rocky start to the season, Sunday's 1-0 win over Kilmarnock made it five wins out of six for David Gray's side who are now seventh in the Premiership table.
When asked what has prompted their turnaround, the midfielder said: "I think just the persistence,
"Us holding our heads high knowing that we had those good performances, but things just weren't really going our way.
"So I think the biggest thing was just the persistence of going harder every day, keeping 100% mentality and now the fortunes are happily turning.
"Whoever plays in our system, we have to trust the gaffer and trust what he says and to implement what he says to us.
"I think we're just giving it our all and luckily for us it's working out best."
We asked for your views on Hibs' 1-0 win against Kilmarnock.
Here's what some of you said:
David: Terrific three points and a clean sheet without playing well. Expected a tougher afternoon given Killie had thumped the Dons last week. Rarely troubled and another excellent display from Nectar Triantis who's really starting to own the number six role. Fifth place on Thursday if results go our way. Well done David Gray.
Peter: A string of four wins can't be argued with. Defence looks better organised however attack must be more clinical. Personally impressed by the tremendous team spirit on show that was missing at the start of the season, they now fight for every ball and for each other: good to see.
John: The players have the talent and physicality to be a very decent top six team. What they needed to find was a cohesive way to play, a belief in each other and a determination to turn things round. Fair play to Gray and the players, after a switch to three at the back they have ticked all those boxes. Onwards and upwards.
Kenny: Another great result. We have stopped losing silly goals now and the team are playing with great confidence. All the players are working hard and that's what's getting results. We need to keep the work rate going and get another three points on Thursday. Good work.
Darren: The match wasn't a thriller by any stretch but who would have thought Hibs would win four games in a row? Not me, not anybody! Great credit must go to the manager and the players. Can we keep the momentum going now?
Dougie: Was never going to be the swashbuckling affair of Boxing Day, but we are now adapting to the teams we are playing, we look composed and our game management is excellent. Gray is bringing the correct substitutions on at the correct time. St Johnstone will be another challenge but we seem to play better away from home, four points from the next two games will do nicely.
Hearts' Zander Clark, 32, and Rotherham's Cameron Dawson, 29, are on Hibernian's list of potential goalkeeper signings. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
Hibs midfielder Rudi Molotnikov, 18, has signed a new deal with the club that runs until 2029. (Herald - subscription), external
Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes despairs about the red card shown to Danny Armstrong in Sunday's 1-0 defeat away to Hibernian. (Scotsman - subscription), external
Image source, SNSNicky Cadden has contributed to goals in his last three games in the Premiership (one goal, two assists).
Kilmarnock have failed to score in seven of their 20 games, only Ross County (nine) have failed to score more often in the Premiership this season.
Hibernian have scored in their last four games in the Premiership, their longest run of games with a goal in the competition since a run of five games from 3 November 2024 to 30 November 2024.
Kilmarnock have had seven players sent off in the Premiership this season, more than any other team in the competition.
Highlights: Hibernian 1-0 Kilmarnock
Watch all the action from Hibernian's 1-0 victory over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership.
(Available to UK users only).
Nectar Triantis' glancing first-half header earned revitalised Hibernian a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership win as they beat Kilmarnock.
David Gray's men were rarely threatened by Derek McInnes' side, who went down to 10-men in the second half following Danny Armstrong's dismissal.
After a miserable start to life as permanent boss at Easter Road, David Gray has now overseen four straight wins to lift Hibs three points clear of Kilmarnock in seventh - with the top six firmly in sight.
Hibs fans, were you at Easter Road to witness your team's victory or following along from home? Either way, we want to know your thoughts.
Image source, SNSHibernian head coach David Gray: "Today was always going to be a real difficult day. The conditions, the team we were playing against and because of the highs of the last two performances, especially the win at Tynecastle. Today was a big ask to push the players again. And credit to them, they found a way to win today.
"It was by no means our fluent best. But I'm delighted with the result and the clean sheet, and the way we handled the game. I would like us to be more clinical to make for an easier afternoon but, at the same time, good effort from everyone involved to return four straight wins.
"We need to keep it going, the positivity we have ended the year in. We need to always remember how quickly things can change, but they can also go the other way. We need to guard against that. We are now chasing down that top six.
"Right at the very end of the [first] half, [Joe Newell] went into a tackle and overstretched his groin a little bit. We will just see how he goes. Hopefully it is nothing serious."
Cam Wanstall
BBC Sport Scotland
Image source, SNSAfter a truly miserable start to life as permanent boss at Easter Road, David Gray has now overseen four straight wins to lift Hibs three points clear of Kilmarnock in seventh - with the top six firmly in sight.
While it was not a hugely-impressive attacking performance, a strong defensive showing - produced by the new-look back three - earned the points.
It was a sharp start for Hibs, with Martin Boyle and the Cadden brothers crafting space on the flanks to whip in threatening crosses.
A slump ensued, however. A barren 30-minute spell without attempting a single shot carried over into the second half, before unlikely offensive pair Lewis Miller and Rocky Bushiri had efforts denied after the restart.
Following Danny Armstrong's red card, Hibs were able to maintain their lead by putting in a spirited, fighting performance for the remainder of the match - a quality they lacked at the start of the season.
