Hibernian striker Dwight Gayle has hinted that he could do a retirement U-turn at the end of the season if the 35-year-old's goalscoring form continues. (Sky Sports), external
Hibes head coach David Gray has refused to put a number on the amount of players he wants to add to his squad during January. (Sky Sports), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full.
Image source, SNSHibernian have lost each of their last eight meetings with Rangers in all competitions; only in November 1999 and January 2004 have Hibs ever lost more in a row to the Gers (both runs of nine).
Rangers are unbeaten in 13 visits to Hibernian in all competitions (W8 D5), their joint-longest ever such run away to Hibs (also 13 in a row from March 2007 to December 2011).
Hibernian have won both of their last two home league games, as many as their previous 11 beforehand (W2 D4 L5).
Rangers have only lost one of their last nine league games (W6 D2), keeping six clean sheets in this period.
Only Adam Idah (four) has scored more goals as a substitute in the Scottish Premiership this season than Rangers' Danilo (three) and Hibernian's Dwight Gayle (three). Danilo has scored in both of his last two substitute appearances in the competition, while Gayle has scored twice in his last three from the bench.
Image source, SNSHibs head coach David Gray believes Rangers will be apprehensive before they take on the Scottish Premiership's "in-form team" at Easter Road on Sunday.
Gray's side have taken 13 points from their last five games and climbed to seventh in the table, just two points behind Motherwell in sixth.
Rangers beat league-leaders Celtic 3-0 at Ibrox last time out, but insists his side have nothing to fear from Philippe Clement's outfit.
"It's a really good game to look forward to, and I think the last place that Rangers would want to come right now is the in-form team in the league, which is ourselves, so that's the confidence we need to take from that," Gray told Sky Sports on Friday.
"Yes, they're off the back of a fantastic win in the Old Firm game but we need to take the confidence from the position we've put ourselves in and how we've been playing of late.
"It'll be tough but if we can play to the best of our ability we know we're a match for anyone."
Sportscene pundits Peter Grant and Steven Naismith analyse the needless penalty concession by Hibs defender Rocky Bushiri that allowed St Johnstone to take the lead in the 1-1 draw at McDiarmid Park.
We asked for your views on Hibernian's 1-1 draw with 10-man St Johnstone in Perth.
Here's what some of you said:
William: The result basically highlighted our weaknesses at both ends of the park. Rocky Bushiri is still a bombscare, we would have had three clean sheets in a row. Junior Hoilett up front with Martin Boyle is not really working. Nectar Triantis' yellow cards are mounting up. Hopefully Rangers will make a few changes to give us hope.
Scott: Poor result against the bottom side after a reasonable run of positive results, definitely two points dropped. Next up the real litmus test against one of the Old Firm. Still not convinced this is a decent squad and hope we strengthen during the transfer window and get shot of the dross.
Mark: Another poor result, more vital points dropped. David Gray's tactics are too negative, making it hard to break teams down and finish them off. Hopefully his tactics will change if we get better players in this window. Hibs need to get their signings in early, though, rather than the usual last-minute English lower-league loans who almost always flop.
Martin: Can't be too critical. Look where we were only a few weeks ago. St Johnstone are fighting for points, a point away is good considering we were one down, three points became harder when they went to 10 men as they went full defence and we lack the quality to unlock that.
Tom: Two points dropped against 10 but probably a good draw away against a side who have been our bogey team over the years. The last five games we have been much better, so let's take it up to Rangers in the next game.
Colin: Thirteen points out of 15 in our last five games is a very good return. However, we know we need to add quality in key positions and with Keiron Bowie set to return, if we can make a couple of quality signings we'll kick on into the top six. We're moving in the right direction.
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
Dwight Gayle: Age is no longer on his side but class always persists. The striker, on as a second-half substitute, took his finish perfectly to break the St Johnstone resistance and earn Hibs a point. That's now three goals in four games for the 35-year-old.
Image source, SNSDavid Gray has been named Scottish Premiership manager of the month for December after overseeing the turnaround in Hibernian's fortunes.
Having started the month with defeat at Celtic, Hibs recorded four wins in a row - including a first victory at Tynecastle in five years - to rise from bottom of the table to seventh.
Gray, who becomes the first Hibs boss to win the award since Paul Heckingbottom in March 2019, said: "Firstly I would just like to thank the rest of the coaching staff, the backroom staff and of course the players as this has been a real collective effort.
"We are growing in confidence and we need to make sure we take that momentum into 2025 and finish the season as strongly as possible."
Watch the best of the action from McDiarmid Park as 10-man St Johnstone draw 1-1 with Hibernian.
(Available to UK users only)
Image source, SNSSt Johnstone have lost 15 points from winning positions in the Premiership this season, only Hibernian (16) have lost more.
Hibernian have won 9 points from losing positions in the Premiership this season, only Kilmarnock (12) have recovered more.
Nicky Clark has scored six goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no St Johnstone player has more.
Dwight Gayle has scored four goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no Hibernian player has more.
St Johnstone have failed to win in their last seven games in the Premiership, their last longer winless streak was from 5 August 2023 to 28 October 2023, a run of nine games.
Hibernian are undefeated in their last five games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 17 February 2024 to 16 March 2024, a run of six games.
St Johnstone have conceded 10 goals to opposition substitutes in the Premiership this season, more than any other team.
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).
