Rangers manager Philippe Clement 'confused' by award of Hibs penalty
Manager Philippe Clement highlights Rangers' lack of recovery time and questions the award of a Hibernian penalty following his side's 1-0 home win in the Scottish Premiership.
Tom Lawrence struck Rangers' goal before team-mate Jack Butland saved Mykola Kuharevich's spot-kick, which was awarded for a handball against John Souttar.
Hibs fans, what did you make of your side's performance as they went down 1-0 at Ibrox?
Have your say on the game here, external.
Image source, SNSNectarios Triantis. The Hibs midfielder created four chances at Ibrox, kept things ticking over and got stuck in when he had the chance to do so.
Image source, SNSDavid Gray switched to a somewhat more defensive line-up for the trip to Glasgow, and would have been pleased with how his Hibs side started the contest.
Hibs were solid, looked assured in their roles as a unit and posed a threat when they won possession back.
Junior Hoilett - who was bright down the left - spooned an early effort over the bar, while Kwon Hyeok-Kyu saw one shot blocked and another well saved.
Mykola Kuharevich applied himself well up front, but his penalty was weak and failed to find the bottom corner, the kind of chance that cannot be passed up at Ibrox.
They continued to disrupt Rangers after the break though, and deserved to take something from the game.
Gray's side have visibly grown from their early outings this season, but the head coach will be infuriated by his side's inability to test Jack Butland.
Kuharevich, Kwon, Elie Youan, Marvin Ekpiteta and Dwight Gayle all missed the target when presented with sights of goal, and the Leith outfit will look back on this defeat with real regret.
They host Motherwell in the Premiership on Saturday (15:00).
Image source, SNSHibs head coach David Gray: "I'll never accept losing games of football, but if there is a way to lose, it's probably that.
"The players put absolutely everything into that. I can't fault it at all. The gameplan was good, the chances we created were good ones. The least we deserved was a point.
"The boys are gutted because they've put so much in, but there's a lot of positives to take, so there's very mixed emotions.
"I thought we were going to get the goal and, if we got one, I think we would've gone on to win the game."
Image source, SNSRangers: Butland, Tavernier, Souttar, Propper, Jefte, Barron, Raskin, McCausland, Lawrence, Cerny, Igamane.
Substitutes: Kelly, Dessers, Bajrami, Dowell, Sterling, Kasanwirjo, Balogun, Fraser, McKinnon.
Hibernian: Bursik, Miller, Ekpiteta, O'Hora, Obita, Kwon, Triantis, C. Cadden, Campbell, Hoilett, Kuharevich.
Substitutes: Smith, Levitt, Youan, Iredale, McKirdy, Moriah-Welsh, Bushiri, Gayle, Molotnikov.
Image source, SNSRangers defender Jefte returns from suspension and Hamza Igamane is available after red tape prevented him from being involved against Malmo. Danilo, Oscar Cortes, Rabbi Matondo and Ridvan Yilmaz remain out.
Hibernian are set to include recent signing Dwight Gayle for the first time. Captain Joe Newell (groin) and Martin Boyle (hand) are both doubtful while Kieron Bowie (hamstring) is out along with Jake Doyle-Hayes who is still working on his fitness after more than a year out.
Sunday brings together two managers who, in three games since respective defeats at Celtic Park, have eased some of the pressure they were under.
David Gray's Hibs followed last month's 3-1 loss with two draws then a 2-0 win at home to troubled St Johnstone.
Philippe Clement's Rangers, meanwhile, have done even better since their 3-0 derby drubbing - recording three consecutive wins, culminating in Thursday's impressive 2-0 Europa League victory in Sweden.
The Belgian's side also advanced to the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals with a convincing 3-0 defeat of Dundee last weekend.
Hibs were not involved in the quarter-finals and will hope their two-week rest during a busy period for their hosts will compensate for a pretty miserable recent record against Rangers.
The Edinburgh side have lost seven in a row against their Glasgow counterparts since a 2-2 draw at Easter Road in August 2022, conceding 22 goals and scoring only five in the process.
That is the only game Rangers have failed to win in 10 meetings without defeat since Hibs progressed to the League Cup final with a 3-1 success at Hampden in November 2021.
Indeed, Hibs have failed to win at Ibrox in 11 visits since a 2-1 victory in February 2018, with Rangers winning the past 10.
Given that Celtic and Aberdeen could both have stretched their lead over third-top Rangers to eight points by kick-off on Sunday, another win will be seen as a must by the Ibrox support and Hibs will look to take advantage of any added pressure Saturday's results might bring.
Image source, SNSJunior Hoilett has returned to Scottish football with Hibernian
Junior Hoilett insists he is looking to play a bigger role at Hibernian and did not join the Easter Road club to "just make up the numbers".
"Everywhere you go, you've got to prove your worth and compete day in and day out," said Hoilett, 34.
"We have a great squad here, a lot of young talent and it's exciting. I'm here to help as much as I can, if it's coming off the bench or starting, I want to make a difference and to help the team achieve their goals and progress.
"Everybody wants to play from the start and I'm a competitor. Everybody wants to be on the pitch and play as much as they want, that's just natural for any footballer.
"That's my job, I didn't come here to just make up the numbers, I came here to play and help the team progress."
The winger says the chance to play against Rangers is "appealing" as his side prepare to travel to Ibrox on Sunday in the Scottish Premiership.
"Of course you want to play in the big games in any division you're in, in any league you're in," added Hoilett.
"Playing against Rangers, especially Ibrox is appealing to everybody and for players you want to be playing at a big level and test your ability.
"It's exciting to be a part of that, to play against the big teams and show what you're worth. I like going against the big teams as well as any other game.
"I take every game as the same, but you get more excitement playing against bigger teams in bigger stadiums."
The former Aberdeen player insists "age is just a number" as he is hoping to feature for Hibs "as much as possible" and thinks the club will benefit from the experience that both he and Dwight Gayle bring to Edinburgh.
"Age is just a number as long as you're enjoying it and you have the passion for it," he added.
"To go in to training every day and work hard to progress and get better as a player is the main thing. I feel good right now, I'm excelling and I'm just trying to remain injury free and to be on the pitch as much as possible.
"[Dwight Gayle] is a great person to have in the building to help the youngsters as well.
"He has the experience to finish chances, he's an experienced striker and he's scored at the highest level. I'm sure he'll bring that contribution to the team."
Image source, SNSRangers have won each of their past six league meetings with Hibernian, last winning more in a row versus Hibs in May 2005 under Alex McLeish (11). At Ibrox, Rangers have won their past 10 in a row against Hibs.
Hibernian are winless in 22 league meetings with Rangers (D6 L16) since a 2-1 victory in February 2018 under Neil Lennon.
Rangers have won each of their past three matches at Ibrox in all competitions by an aggregate score of 11-0. Rangers last won four straight home games without conceding from November 2021 to February 2022 under Giovanni van Bronkchorst (run of nine).
Hibs have only won one of their past 12 away league outings (D7 L4), a 3-1 victory at St Johnstone in April last season.
Cyriel Dessers has scored four goals in his past three home league games; the only players to score in four successive Scottish Premiership appearances at Ibrox for Rangers since their promotion in 2016 are former players Alfredo Morelos (twice), Antonio Colak and Todd Cantwell.
Hibernian "can't have fear" as they travel to face Rangers on Sunday, says head coach David Gray. (Record), external
Gray aims to give his Hibs players "belief" for their trip to Ibrox. (Scotsman - subscription), external
Image source, SNSRangers have confirmed the complete reopening of the Copland Road stand, meaning Ibrox will be at full capacity - including away fans - for their Premiership match with Hibernian.
The stand was partially opened for their homecoming last weekend against Dundee after starting the season at Hampden because of delayed construction work to that end of the ground.
In a short statement, the club said they "cannot thank our loyal supporters enough for their patience".
Meanwhile, Hibs also thanked their fans for their patience "during this frustrating time" after receiving confirmation they will receive a full away allocation just three days before Sunday's match.
Image source, SNSDavid Gray says he expects Hibernian fans to be in attendance for their trip to Rangers on Sunday, despite a continued lack of clarity on away tickets for the game.
The Govan side returned to Ibrox last weekend in the League Cup quarter-final win over Dundee after a brief relocation to Hampden due to delayed construction work on the Copland Road stand.
Away fans were in the ground on Saturday for Rangers' 3-0 victory, but there is yet to be confirmation that Hibs supporters will be able to attend this Sunday.
Just three days out from the game, Gray understands why fans of the Leith club may find the situation "really frustrating".
However, the Hibs head coach is expecting an imminent resolution.
"My understanding is I expect supporters to be there," Gray revealed. "Which is great, that's the most important thing."
"Fans are vital to Scottish football. They get right behind their team and should have the opportunity to do that. The club are working extremely hard to make sure that’s the case.
"From the fans’ point of view, I understand why it would be really frustrating, but my full focus is on preparing the team."
Image source, Getty ImagesHibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media prior to Sunday's Premiership trip to Rangers.
Here are the key lines:
Hibs fans are still awaiting clarity on whether they can attend Ibrox on Sunday, but Gray says he expects away supporters to be there.
On the sacking of Steven Naismith at city rivals Hearts, Gray adds: "It's never nice whenever anyone loses their job. I know him and know him well, he won’t be out of work for long".
Gray expects a "real tough test" against Rangers but says Ibrox is a "really enjoyable place to play" and "test yourself".
A positive result will "take a lot of hard work" from Hibs, who will have to be "at the top of our game," Gray adds.
The Hibs boss says injured duo Joe Newell and Martin Boyle "are getting there" but he will "see how it goes" in terms of their availability.
Gray hailed the condition new striker Dwight Gayle arrived in and says he will "add quality and experience to the group".
Rangers are "beatable" but "capable of hurting you", says former Ibrox player and ex-Hibernian captain Ian Murray before the clubs' weekend meeting. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
Hibs remain confident of receiving a full away allocation for Sunday’s Scottish Premiership trip to Rangers after going through official SPFL channels to secure tickets for the match as a final resort. (Hibs Observer), external
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter
The win against St Johnstone two weeks ago in front of the Hibs home support was a real boost for David Gray and his players.
As we have witnessed across the city, the longer a winless run goes on can have a huge impact on those running the operation.
And although it was a win, and ultimately that is the most important aspect, there is still plenty to work on for Gray and his team.
This Sunday it's a trip along the M8 to Glasgow to take on a Rangers side who, by their own high standards, have yet to set the heather on fire.
Under Phillipe Clement, Rangers have looked very good at times. But the Ibrox fanbase have only one target in their minds - and that is overtaking Celtic.
Although they have come up short so far, and indeed last season as well, they will retain hope of going on an extended winning run to keep pressure on Brendan Rodgers and his Celtic team.
Hibs, though, will be solely focused on what they can achieve at Ibrox this weekend.
Recent results have been poor, with seven straight defeats against Rangers and no fewer than 22 goals conceded in that time, plus only scoring five at the other end.
But as we know, records are there to be broken and Hibs will head to Glasgow with the belief they can take all three points back to the capital.
Image source, SNS"If you don’t believe in what you’re doing, you're off to a bad start straight away."
David Gray has used Hibernian's weekend off has been a "massive benefit" in getting his message of belief across to his players.
The Easter Road club return to action against Rangers at Ibrox on Sunday, and although a "tough test" is a given, Gray is taking his players across the M8 with bundles of belief.
"We’ve been quite consistent in trying to stay measured throughout the whole process, to have trust in what we’re doing," the head coach told Sky Sports, external.
"Results haven’t always gone the way we’d want but all in all, we're working hard and building the group together.
"You know it’s going to be a tough test, but if you don’t believe you can win, then you won't.
"You need to have togetherness, ambition and belief that you can go and do that."
Hibs did pick up a crucial win before their mini-break against St Johnstone, and Gray said the victory has brought back the "feelgood factor" around training.
"There's plenty confidence from that result," he added.
When looking ahead to the weekend trip to Govan, Gray confirmed new signing Dwight Gayle is available after arriving in "great condition".
Image source, SNSEarlier, we asked you who has made the most league appearances for Hibs.
The correct answer is Lewis Stevenson - the full-back played 477 league games for the club before his exit at the end of last season.
Image source, SNSWho has made the most league appearances for Hibs?
Answer will be revealed at 17:00 BST
Dundee, Hibernian, Kilmarnock, Motherwell, Ross County, St Johnstone and St Mirren will each take in £1.6m in solidarity payments due to Celtic's Champions League qualification, with Aberdeen and Dundee United receiving £1m and £650,000 going to Hearts and Livingston. (Mail), external
Image source, SNSHibernian say they are continuing to have "detailed conversations" with both the SPFL and Rangers regarding their away allocation at Ibrox on 29 September.
The Govan side will return to their home ground on Saturday to face Dundee after a brief relocation to Hampden due to delayed construction work on the Copland Road stand, which will only be partially open at the weekend.
In a statement, Hibs say "away ticket information has yet to be provided" for the league match taking place the following week.
The Leith club add: "With the match now just 10 days away, the clubs are working through a formal procedure with the SPFL to determine further information regarding away supporters."
Hibernian head coach David Gray is taking nothing for granted, despite the club's owner Ian Gordon indicating he wants to avoid having so many different managers in charge over a short period of time. (Edinburgh Evening News - subscription), external
Image source, SNSDefender Jack Iredale says a move to Hibernian and a return to Scotland was a "no-brainer".
The 28-year-old joined the Easter Road side late in the summer window but is yet to make his debut for the club as he works his way back to full fitness.
Born in Scotland, the Australia youth international has experience of playing in the SPFL with lower-league Morton and Queen's Park between 2017 and 2019.
Iredale says that experience made him aware of how big a club Hibs are, which made his decision to join the Leith side from Bolton a simple one.
"The size of the club speaks for itself," the centre-back said.
"I was born in Scotland so I know about the clubs here. It was a no-brainer. It worked for me on so many levels."
On what Hibs fans can expect to see from him when he gets his first minutes, Iredale added: "I like to get on the ball and play passes, but you've got to defend first.
"I'll be nice and aggressive when I need to be and I'll bring a bit of experience as well."
