Hibernian head coach Nick Montgomery says the club's new £6m American cash injection could help him keep Myziane Maolida, the forward on loan from Hertha Berlin, and Emiliano Marcondes, the midfielder farmed out by Bournemouth. (Sunday Mail), external
Read Sunday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, BBC SportHibernian expect to have everyone available apart from Luke Amos (muscle injury) and long-term absentees Josh Campbell and Jake Doyle-Hayes (both ankle).
Rabbi Matondo, Todd Cantwell (hamstring), Danilo (knee), Kieran Dowell (leg) and Abdallah Sima (thigh) remain out for Rangers along with Oscar Cortes, who had surgery on a muscle injury. Scott Wright also missed the Europa League draw with Benfica on Thursday due to injury while Leon Balogun, not in the Light Blues’ European squad, will return.
Image source, SNS
Image source, SNSJoe Newell says they go into Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final with high hopes off the back of their recent good form.
Hibs are unbeaten in their last five outings in all competitions, and ran Celtic close at Easter Road last month before a contentious late penalty saw them lose 2-1.
“It’s all about belief,” Newell said. “But you can’t just say that for example, Tamworth, my hometown club, are going to beat Barcelona just because they have belief.
“You have to have belief from having seen things happen and something working before.
“We’ve had a good performance the last time we played Celtic, and in my years I’ve been up here we’ve had good performances and results against Rangers so the belief is there through evidence.
“With the squad we have, the talent we have, and the form we’re in, we should believe.”
Rangers go into the game after a battling 2-2 draw away to Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday night, although Newell downplayed the prospect of Rangers being tired.
“I watched it and it was a tough game for them so hopefully they’re knackered,” the Englishman joked. “We obviously played in Europe earlier on in the season and it’s tough to go Thursday night, Sunday, Thursday night again.
“We struggled with it. It can be hard physically and mentally. But what I would say is their squad is obviously a lot stronger in depth than what we had.
“They’re a club and a group of players that are used to doing well in Europe the last few years. It’s tough but I’m sure they’ll be well prepared and ready mentally the same as we will be, so we won’t be going into too much detail on that in terms of our thinking before the game.”
Hibernian striker Dylan Vente was named in Suriname's national squad for an upcoming training camp following a misunderstanding and the 24-year-old, who has represented Netherlands at youth level, has not yet made a decision about his senior international career, according to Dutch outlet Voetbalzone. (Voetbalzone via The Scotsman), external
Read Saturday's Scottish Gossip in full here.
Image source, BBC Sport
Image source, SNSHibs manager Nick Montgomery says he is "confident" going into Sunday's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers, but dismissed the idea that Philippe Clement's side would be tired following their Europa League clash against Benfica on Thursday.
Rangers drew 2-2 in Lisbon on Thursday, and have the second leg of that tie next Thursday, but Montgomery believes they are well placed to cope with the travails of European football.
“When you look at the value of their squad and the budget, teams like them are capable of playing multiple competitions because they invest heavily in the squad," Montgomery said. "That is why they are so successful.
“But it’s a cup game in 90 minutes and anything can happen. We are in a good place right now and confident going into the game but they are a top team.
“You need belief every week. Every time you cross that white line you need to believe you are going to win that game. It’s the way that we play.
“We try to win every game but it’s not always possible. Since January the quality of players we have brought in have added belief as well. There is good momentum going into the game. It’s a cup game, a knockout competition and any team in the quarter-finals can win their game."
Montgomery also believes Hibs' 2016 cup final triumph over Rangers can be a source of inspiration for his players, and wants to create similar memories for the club's fans.
“I’ve heard stories and watched the YouTube video of Sunshine on Leith that has gone worldwide," Montgomery added. "It’s amazing when you watch that.
“David Gray is an important member of my staff, a real humble guy but there is memorabilia around the training ground. It was an historical moment for the club and he has that experience of having success in the cup.
“It’s nice to have that in the history books but right now it’s the present and the future so all we can focus on is Sunday."
Image source, SNSThis is the first time Hibs and Rangers have met in the Scottish Cup since the 2016 final, when Hibs came from 2-1 behind to win 3-2 and lift the cup for the first time since 1902.
Rangers have won the last five meetings between the sides, since a 2-2 league draw in August 2022.
Cyriel Dessers has scored in both of his outings against Hibs; The Nigeria international has 16 goals in all competitions this season.
Former Hibs goalkeeper Cammy Bell previews the club's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers
Image source, Getty ImagesBill Foley is among three new directors appointed to Hibernian's board.
American millionaire Foley, whose Black Knight Football Club has acquired a 25% stake in Hibs, also has a controlling interest in Premier League Bournemouth.
Ryan Caswell, of BKFC, and Leslie Robb also join the board, the latter as a non-executive director.
BKFC hold a licence for a new team in New Zealand and a minority interest in French side Lorient, Caswell a director of the latter.
Lifelong fan and Edinburgh-based Robb has been a shareholder in the Easter Road club since 2015.
The Gordon family remain Hibs' majority shareholder with just above 60%.
The new board comprises Kit Gordon, Ian Gordon, Foley and Caswell as directors, Robert Begbie, Scott Fraser, Gillian Hutchison, Archie Paton and Robb as non-executive directors, Malcolm McPherson as non-executive chairman, Kathrin Hamilton as non-executive vice-chairman and Ben Kensell as chief executive.
Image source, SNSHibs manager Nick Montgomery has been talking to the media before his side's Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers on Sunday.
Here are the best bits from his press conference:
Montgomery wants to create their own piece of Scottish Cup history this year, and says pictures around the training centre of the club's cup win in 2016 inspire the players.
Insists his squad go into every game thinking they can win, and says the quality of the January recruits have brought an "added belief" to the playing group.
Experience of winning the A League grand final in Australia with Central Coast Mariners last year can help prepare him for such a big one-off game.
Montgomery watched Rangers' Europa League game against Benfica on Thursday, but says the size of Philippe Clement's squad means they can cope with the rigours of competing on multiple fronts.
Wants to get back to Hampden after being "unfortunate to miss out" on the League Cup final earlier this season.
Image source, SNSBig games keep coming for Philippe Clement. Just three days after his Rangers side earned a fantastic draw in Lisbon against Benfica, a trip to improving Hibs awaits.
Nick Montgomery has overseen a mini-resurgence of late, with the Leith team unbeaten in their last five outings and having won back-to-back home games for just the second time this season.
Driving that form have been two January loan signings - Hertha Berlin striker Myazine Maolida and Bournemouth midfielder Emiliano Marcondes. Their quality is clear to see and is bringing out the best in those around them, coupled with a shift in formation too.
However, Montgomery is still demanding more in front of goal, with too many chances going begging for his liking. If ruthlessness is lacking against Rangers, it will be punished and they must be clinical if they are to continue their cup run.
Rangers eased to victory on their last trip to Easter Road on league business, but recent form from both would suggest it shouldn't be as straightforward as it was that night. The visitors had the win wrapped up in the first-half even without the then suspended Connor Goldson.
The centre-half will have had the flight home to mull over his unwanted record-breaking third own-goal in the Europa League, against Benfica on Thursday, and will need to have it banished from the brain come Sunday evening.
Rangers haven't kept a clean sheet in their last three games, but their draw in Portugal was one of bravery and confidence. Two qualities that were lacking against Motherwell in their shock home league defeat on Saturday.
History in this fixture favours the treble-hunters though. They're unbeaten in their last eight and haven't lost at Easter Road since April 2016, when both sides were in the Championship.
Eight years ago, Alloa Athletic were their next opponents. Now, it's Benfica. But you can guarantee Clement won't have any thoughts of the Portuguese giants until the tie at Easter Road is traversed.
Read the rest of the Scottish Cup picks here.
Hibs host Rangers at Easter Road on Sunday for the Scottish Cup quarter-finals.
Nick Montgomery's side are unbeaten in their last five games and they'll be hoping to make it six at the weekend and bag a spot in the semi-final.
But what starting lineup should Montgomery choose? Pick your preferred XI here.
Hibernian chief executive Ben Kensell insists the Scottish Premiership outfit will not become a feeder club for Bournemouth despite the Premier League club's owner, Bill Foley, taking a 25% stake at Easter Road. (Scotsman - subscription required), external
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland
Hibernian's 2-0 win over Ross County last weekend came with a calmness and a performance from the players that the supporters have been looking for in recent times.
There is no doubt Hibernian were the better team at Tynecastle last week and have a valid feeling of injustice around the circumstances of Hearts equaliser, but what is now a five-match unbeaten run has lifted spirits at Easter Road.
The club's January recruits have undoubtedly helped hugely in the upturn in fortunes.
The signing of Emiliano Marcondes on loan from Bournemouth has proven to be very shrewd and if the midfielder can be convinced to stay on for next season then Hibernian will have signed a gem.
And even more so the signing of winger Myziane Maolida on loan from Hertha Berlin. The 25 year old has immense talent and is out of contract with the German club this summer.
Given his performances in recent weeks it would be no surprise if there are other clubs sniffing around looking to attract him elsewhere.
Next up in the league is a trip to Dingwall, but all focus now must be on Sunday's Scottish Cup tie at home to Rangers.
As we have witnessed over the last week, both halves of the Old Firm are vulnerable - with a fast start and a big Easter Road crowd behind them, a trip to Hampden for a cup semi-final is a distinct possibility for Hibs.
Image source, SNSAlan Stubbs believes Hibernian v Rangers is the pick of the Scottish Cup quarter-finals, as he listed what his former side need to do to beat the current Premiership leaders.
Stubbs was Hibs manager for their 2016 Cup triumph against Rangers, but believes Nick Montgomery's side have to produce their best performance of the season to progress.
"Hibs have got to be really clever in their play," Stubbs said. "They've got to be sharp, they've got to be play lots of little quick balls and try and get at this Rangers defence, who have not necessarily been as good as what they have been at times.
"It's got a really good look to it, the game. This is probably the one that could be the best game to watch and I'm looking forward to watching it. Hibs have got to play as well as what they've played this season to get a result because it's not an easy fixture.
"Hibs have got to be better defensively. They've had a couple of heavy defeats from this Rangers team. Going forward they've got an extra element that they didn't happen in previous games, which will help them on the day.
"The team's coming into the game with as much confidence as they've probably had all season.
"Rangers are coming off the back of a disappointing home result. Hibs have got to really make it uncomfortable, they've got to really start the game well and take it to Rangers and ask questions of them."
Matty Fairnie
Fan writer
Hibs rounded off a week which started with them joining Bill Foley’s Black Knight group and becoming significantly wealthier in the process with a comfortable win against Ross County at Easter Road.
Having drawn at Tynecastle Park on Wednesday night after a hotly-contested penalty award handed Hearts a share of the points, Hibs needed to make sure that they got back to winning ways to keep the push for a top-six spot on track.
The performance was best described as professional. Nick Montgomery's side controlled the game from first whistle to last, but only really came fully alive in fleeting moments. You could put that down to a hangover from the effort put in during the derby on Wednesday night, but it’s also worth crediting Ross County for digging in and being resolute.
Myziane Maolida opened the scoring in the second half following a fumble from County keeper George Wickens, before Dylan Levitt – who lit up the game after his introduction at half-time – scored a fine second from the edge of the area.
With results elsewhere falling kindly for Hibs, the win took us into sixth place and in the space of a week, we have turned our season from one which looked ominously like we could be pulled into a relegation battle, to one where fourth place isn’t completely out of the question.
With a Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers to come on Sunday, Hibs will be looking to keep that momentum going and set up a storming run to the end of the season.
Matty Fairnie can be found on the Longbangers podcast, external.
Image source, SNSFormer Hibernian boss Neil Lennon admitted he'd rather be in Rangers' camp ahead of the weekend's Scottish Cup quarter-final match.
Philippe Clement's side have a Europa League tie with Benfica on Thursday before returning to visit Easter Road on Sunday.
“I would much rather be in the Rangers camp - playing the games and playing against a quality side," Lennon said of Rangers' European exploits. "It can only help you, regardless of the result.
"Hibs' have had a great week - seven points out of nine and Nick [Montgomery] has tweaked the formation of the team and it seems to be suiting the personnel better.
Lennon won the Scottish Cup four times as a player and four times as a manager - all while at Celtic.
"It's a cracking draw. Rangers played very well at Easter Road the last time they were up there but it's probably a different Hibs team that they're going to face.
"It's a cracking tie to look forward to. Regardless of the result on Thursday, Rangers are in Europe and that's a great place to be at this stage of the season. Regardless of the amount of games you play, you want to be in the competition."
The former manager also heaped praise on Hibs' attacking players, two of whom arrived in January.
"[Emiliano] Marcondes has made a big difference to them, [Myziane] Maolida has come in and done very well. They've got [Martin] Boyle, they've got [Elie] Youan, they've got good pace so they'll cause Rangers problems."
Image source, SNSFormer Hibs midfielder Scott Allan thinks the Easter Road side are putting together a run of form at 'the most crucial time', as they went five games unbeaten this weekend.
Thanks to their routine 2-0 win over Ross County, Hibs headed into the top six for the first time since January.
"I was in this situation with Shaun Maloney a couple of years ago," Allan said on the Scottish Football Podcast.
"We were needing one win for about five weeks just to get in the top six. It seems like Nick Montgomery is putting a run together just at probably the most crucial time and Hibs are gaining confidence from it."
Allan also singled out one January signing for praise - a man who plays in a similar position to himself.
"Marcondes looks like he's got a little bit of stardust," Allan added. "I watched the [Edinburgh] derby during the weekend and you could see he's got a little something extra, something Hibs were missing.
"You're starting to see that now, they've got pace all over the pitch. I think [Jordan] Obita has come in and been excellent for Hibs this season."
Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter
Dylan Levitt has frustrated Hibs fans so far this season, occassionally failing to live up to the bags of ability he clearly has.
Not the case on Saturday. Brought on as a half-time sub, he made a big impact as Hibs went on to score twice and down a stubborn Ross County, scoring the second goal that killed the game off.
James McFadden has praise for Hibs' on-form forward, while Neil McCann believes the side's structural changes have been for the best.
Watch the best of the action as Hibs score twice in the second half to beat Ross County at Easter Road. (Available to UK users only)
We asked for your thoughts after Hibernian's home victory against struggling Ross County.
Here's a taste of what you had to say:
Ross: Decent performance. I thought Bushiri had his best game for us. Introduction of Levitt second half made the difference, delighted he got his goal. No reason we can't get fourth.
Kenny: Another good result because we have stopped playing suicidal football at the back. We are now playing better at both ends of the park. We need to build now on these results and learn not to give away cheap goals as we have been doing. Great chance now to beat Rangers.
Rico: We were too slow in our build up for much of the game, then their keeper handed us a goal, and we were pretty comfortable after that. Top six looks possible now, but our aim should be top four, and that looks unlikely thanks to all the months we dropped points while Montgomery stubbornly refused to change his tactics or formations.
Sandy: I like consistency in team selection and thats what we got. Ground this one out, with a clean sheet as well but Dundee's slip has us into top six. I can see us beating Rangers now in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup. Well done to the manager and players .
Billy: A hard fought win today, I thought we were lacklustre in the first half but were a different animal after the break, the subs seemed to make something click, Levitt, Le Fondre and Youan were the creative sparks we needed. Maolida showed great determination to force the opener and Levitt's near control sealed it. It’s been a good week to be a Hibby.
Fergis: A very poor game with every player guilty of sloppy control and passes , struggled to create anything but a fantastic three points in the end and that’s really all that mattered in this must-win game.
Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland at Easter Road
Dylan Levitt has stressed that Hibs "cannot let the standards drop" after collecting seven points in week that has lifted them back into the top-six of the Scottish Premiership.
Nick Montgomery's side were recently five points outside the top six, but the win over Ross County, achieved through second-half goals from Myziane Maolida and substitute Levitt, has lifted them above Dundee.
"This week we could have had nine points and obviously it gives us a massive stepping stone ahead of the game next Sunday [Scottish Cup quarter-final against Rangers]," Levitt told BBC Scotland.
"You can see [that momentum building] it over the last few weeks. We have really picked up and started to get the results we needed. Obviously when you are winning games of football, everyone is in high spirits.
“When coming in the next day for recovery, we are all just keen to keep that momentum going and heading into the next game trying to get all three points the next week.
"We need to work hard and not let the standards drop from what we have set recently."
Image source, SNS
