Hibernian

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Hibs head coach David Gray: "I thought Falkirk actually started the better side.

"I thought it took us five or 10 minutes to adjust to the speed of the pitch. Once we got into our rhythm we probably got away with the fact they should have scored fist.

"I think we had enough chances to put the game to bed and that's the frustration.

"We gave away an inexcusable goal from a set piece. It felt like if a team was going to win the game, it would have been Falkirk from the momentum and noise in the stadium.

"It feels like two points dropped but being away from home, we'll take the one point.

"We can't come away from the fact we're conceding goals at poor times, making sure it doesn't become an issue and the players don't feel anxiety from it.

"There's pressure every week to win games of football and perform well. We have a lot of strength and depth, defensively especially, so players need to perform to a level all the time.

"We're still undefeated in the league, and we're creating enough chances to win games of football at this level and if we can take those chances, we will start winning."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

What a meagre performance we saw from Hibs at Ibrox.

Maybe things would have been different had Martin Boyle's goal stood, but Hibs' habit of conceding close to half-time came back to haunt us again. And when the second goal went in, the game was done.

I expected more of a fight from Hibs in the second half but it never materialised, and we have too many players struggling to find top form.

Although this was our first domestic defeat of the season and we're still in third place going into Tuesday night's game against Falkirk, there is already a shift in how the stats are being pushed - with the emphasis less on how few defeats we've had and more on the lack of wins.

David Gray needs to get the team showing the fighting spirit and cohesion that served him so well last season to stop any talk of a slide in its tracks.

A win in Falkirk will definitely have folk feeling better about the season's prospects, while a defeat might set hares running among the support.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

• Falkirk are winless in their past 10 top-flight meetings with Hibs (D4 L6), with this their first since a 3-1 defeat in March 2010. Their last win over Hibs at this level was in December 2006 (2-1).

• Hibs have won their past two league meetings with newly-promoted opposition, last winning three in a row in the top flight in October 2012.

• Falkirk's Scottish Premiership games this season have included 96 shots (51 for, 45 faced), the joint-fewest of any side in the division (level with Aberdeen).

• Hibs have drawn five of their past six league games (W1), as many as their previous 22 beforehand (W14 D5 L3). Hibs could draw four successive top-flight matches for the first time since October 2019, when Paul Heckingbottom drew his last five league games in charge.

• Since the start of May, 11 of Hibs' 16 league goals have been scored in the first 45 minutes, the most first-half goals of any Scottish Premiership side in this time. Falkirk, meanwhile, have scored all five of their league goals this season in second halves.

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Falkirk welcome back Tom Lang, Barney Stewart and Finn Yeats to their squad for Tuesday's Scottish Premiership match against Hibernian.

However, Coll Donaldson, Aidan Nesbitt, Ethan Ross, Jamie Sneddon and Kyrell Wilson remain out.

Hibs have no fresh injuries.

Alasana Manneh and Joe Newell are still unavailable.

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David Gray says "humble" Hibernian are glad to have a midweek game so soon after their Premier Sports Cup exit.

Gray's Hibs lost 2-0 to Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday and face Scottish Premiership hosts Falkirk on Tuesday.

"It's important to move on quickly, which is the benefit of having a game coming so quickly," said the head coach.

"But you can't just sweep it under the carpet and not look back and address areas. We have done that, it's always about how you can improve and learn about situations we found ourselves in.

"After a defeat you need to stick together and look at areas to improve. But how quickly things can change again. If we get three points, that would be nine points after five games, sitting third in the table. That certainly wouldn't be a disaster, it would be a good start."

Gray says that, so far as the league is concerned, it's "natural" that "expectations rise" following Hibs' third-placed finish last term.

"It's something we talked about at the very start of the season," Gray added.

"Off the back of what we did last year, the expectations were always going to rise, and when you see how we performed in Europe at times against some top sides, people say a lot of good things about you. That's natural, and expectations rise.

"But they are a very humble group that are hard working and want to improve all the time.

"That's something as a coach that is brilliant to work with and it makes sure the players keep their feet on the ground as well, because they are not thinking they have completed it at all.

"We are right back in looking at why we felt we didn't get the right result at the weekend and how we can put that right on Tuesday. That's a good habit to get into."

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Falkirk midfielder Dylan Tait has a "point to prove" in Tuesday's Premiership match against former club Hibs.

He played just 13 minutes of first-team football during three years at Easter Road after signing in August 2021.

Tait, 23, was loaned back to Raith Rovers and also had temporary spells at Kilmarnock, Arbroath, Hamilton and Falkirk, before joining the Bairns permanently in summer 2024.

Successive titles followed under manager John McGlynn as Tait made his way back to the top flight.

"Obviously it was a bit disappointing because when I signed there I had expectations to go and do well," Tait said, reflecting on his time with Hibs.

"When I was at Hibs there was a lot of change. I had five managers in two years so I didn't really get that consistency.

"It's just one of these things in football,, sometimes you need to take a step back down to get going again. That's what I'm doing at the moment.

"Obviously, playing against your old club, there's a wee point to prove that I can play at this level and I didn't quite get that opportunity when I was there."

Tait, who has five goals in all competitions this season, said: "Obviously when I moved here it was my intention to try and play in the Premiership but I had to go a longer route. Now I'm here, I appreciate it a lot.

"It's down to the manager that's given me the opportunity to come play at this level and I just want to repay him.

"Obviously I worked with the manager when I was younger and I just really enjoy working with him and Smudger (Paul Smith). They get the best out of me. They let me play my football and give me a freedom in the game. Right now it's paying off."

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Hibs manager David Gray has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Scottish Premiership game against Falkirk.

• Gray said there are "a few bumps and bruises" in the squad but nothing major and that there is nobody returning to the squad, so it will be as it was against Rangers.

• The Hibs boss emphasised it is "important to move on" after the League Cup defeat against Rangers and that "this is the benefit of a game coming so quickly - you've got the opportunity to try to rectify that defeat".

• Gray said Falkirk "will be a different type of test, against a team that has won back-to-back promotions" than Rangers were and expects a "really difficult" game because the opposition "have been together for a while and been very successful".

• The Hibs manager knows Bairns boss John McGlynn very well, having been coached by him as a youngster at Hearts - and said "he is a very good coach who knows exactly what's going on".

• Gray added that the adversity the squad faced at the start of last season will stand them in good stead as they try to bounce back from the defeat at Ibrox.

• He said the fact they are "really disappointed shows they actually did believe they could go to Ibrox and get into the next round of the cup".

• Gray is not looking beyond Tuesday night but acknowledged a victory - which would put Hibs on nine points from five games - would make the table look very different.

• He said that his players will have to "contend with the astro turf" but they have experience of it at Livingston and that "it's not an excuse - we're ready for it".

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Former Rangers and Scotland winger Neil McCann on BBC Sportsound

It's a difficult game for Russell Martin and the team - demonstrations before the game, apprehension in the stadium.

When they got the second, they were comfortable. Hibs looked a bit lethargic and Rangers adjusted how they defended at times.

It's a big relief for Martin and his players.

I don't think there was ever a doubt from people who know Nico Raskin that you'd get the right reaction.

He's gone from sitting in the stands to the starting line-up and you can see why. He bossed the game today in terms of the energy required.

It took Nico's header to take the nerves away from the team.

What's happened within the bowels of Rangers, we're not privy to the details, but what fallout there might have been, you have to find a way as a manager to resolve it and do the best thing for the team.

Nico showed today that he's a big player for Rangers.

Former Hibernian midfielder Scott Allan on BBC Sportsound

The way Rangers started the second half, they looked to really pin Hibs in at times.

The only way Hibs were getting out would be a ball turned down a channel, hoping Kieron Bowie could spring from there.

They looked more hopeful than definitive in terms of how they were going to create chances. They had chances from set pieces, but the delivery wasn't on the money when you know the quality they possess.

Rangers defended well the second half but it all comes from how they played. They dominated the ball and moved the ball well.

Hibs ran out of ideas and didn't look the same as they have done since the start of the season.

There's no question David Gray will be disappointed in the goals that they lost, especially after the disallowed one.

It's the poorest I've seen Hibs this season, I can't lie.

We asked for your views on Hibernian's 2-0 loss to Rangers at Ibrox that ended their hopes of winning the Scottish League Cup for the first time since 2007.

Here's what some of you said:

Ian: Practically every team that has played Rangers this season has been right on top of them and making it difficult for them to move the ball forward. Hibs stood off them, gave them the freedom of the park and allowed them to settle. A bad mistake, one of a number the manager has made this season.

John: Very disappointing to lose to an average Rangers team. Ball-watching at both goals is a worrying trend. Can't fault the effort but one or two were just not on it today.

Gordon: Disappointing result following a not-too-bad display. After missing decent chances yet again it is obvious that, instead of a never ending influx of midfielders, we desperately need to sign a proven goalscorer. I feel, if we don't, we are really going to struggle this season.

Jonathon: Really poor performance and not the way to approach a match against a side that's so low in confidence. We were unfortunate with the disallowed goal, and if that stands then it's a totally different game, but overall the performance was nowhere near good enough which is extremely disappointing considering where they are at the moment.

Colin: The best version of Hibs didn't turn up when it mattered. An opportunity to get to the semi-final was missed because we weren't good enough offensively and defensively.

Conor: It was a shambolic performance from the team. There was no intensity and wasted too many chances going forward. We played like the team who were in trouble.

We went into the game underestimating them. We need to be more clinical going forward and be more organised at the back otherwise we're going to find ourselves in a difficult position going forward in the league.

Allan: Toothless display where we allowed them to dictate the play. Too many players losing individual battles. We had an opportunity to go to an environment that wasn't perfect for the home team and use the off-field issues to our advantage but too many players didn't turn up.

We need to be moving the ball quicker as we're becoming too predictable in our play. An opportunity for a trip to Hampden missed. Tuesday evening feels like a big game now ahead of two further significant away games as we haven't hit the standard of which we finished last season.

Hibernian were beaten 2-0 at Ibrox to end their hopes of winning the Scottish League Cup for the first time since 2007.

Read the match report

Have your say

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Hibs head coach David Gray tells Premier Sports: "I said before the game we would need to be near our best and I don't think we were.

"We lose a poor goal at a set-piece, that's not good enough. Boyle's chance straight after that to go to 1-1 is a big moment.

"Over the course of the whole game, the best team has gone through unfortunately for us.

"Goals change games and then second half we didn't carry enough of a threat.

"I've got a really good group, a really disappointed group in there, but we're creating enough chances to win games."

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Having only played at Hampden in front of small crowds, Jack Iredale is determined to experience a full-house at the national stadium by helping Hibernian reach the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals.

David Gray's side travel to Ibrox to meet Rangers in the last eight on Saturday evening.

Iredale, 29, said: "I played at Hampden a number of times when I was loan at Queen's Park, but that was in front of about 500 people.

"There are loads of boys that haven't experienced an atmosphere at Hampden, so any chance to play there is fantastic. You want to go all the way."

Hibs were 2-0 winners on their most recent visit to Ibrox and drew both home games against Rangers in the Premiership last season.

Rangers have gone five games without a victory since beating Alloa Athletic in the previous round of the cup.

"I can sympathise with how difficult the run Rangers are going through is because we felt it last season," added Iredale, referring to Hibs poor form in 2024.

"But we also know how quickly it can turn and what can happen when it does, so it's going to be a massive game.

"It's always tough going to Ibrox. It's a great stadium to play at, but it can also be a daunting one as well so we're looking forward to the challenge."

Hibs summer signing Josh Mulligan reveals the Edinburgh club made him an offer in January and the former Dundee midfielder admits to being flattered by interest from then interim Rangers boss Barry Ferguson. (The Herald - subscription required), external

Former Scotland striker Steven Fletcher is close to retiring, with the 38-year-old having held talks about a possible return to Hibs, where he began his career. (Daily Record), external

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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David Gray has urged his players to "ignore the noise" around Rangers when Hibs visit Ibrox in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.

Despite Rangers' woeful start to the season, Gray expects a difficult game and says opposite number Russell Martin has experience in dealing with adversity.

"I think the big thing is to ignore the noise," he said.

"Because one thing, this challenge and test is a real difficult one, we know that. The players they've got, an experienced manager, it will be a really difficult game.

"We need to be our absolute best, as we've done already and demonstrated going away in Europe this season and away performances have been very good.

"It needs to be that again. And all I can focus on is the things I can control, which is making sure I've got a game-plan, get the players ready, give them as much confidence and belief as possible to get into the next round of the cup."

Hibs have only lost twice this season, both away from home in Europe, but have drawn three of their four Premiership games and Gray says there are improvements to come.

He added: "The level of performance has been exceptional at times, as I've seen from the players.

"The actual results haven't always reflected the level of performance at times. There have been areas within it where we've let ourselves down and that's areas we need to improve on.

"Whether that be conceding goals, timing the goals, but also being more clinical. We always go over every game to make sure we're improving and learning from what we've been doing."

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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David Gray has been speaking to the media before Hibs visit Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-finals this weekend.

Here are the key points:

• Gray has told his players to "ignore the noise" around struggling Rangers, adding: "This challenge and test is a real difficult one. The players they've got, experienced manager, it will be a really difficult game."

• Hibs will need to be at their "absolute best" to achieve victory at Ibrox.

• Gray aims to turn the home support against Rangers: "Obviously we went there last season and got a positive result. Going to places where you're heavily outnumbered at big clubs and you are the underdog going into the game, you want to try and quieten the crowd as much as possible."

• He insists Rangers are "not a bad side at all" and adds: "They're going through adversity at the moment. That can very quickly change. We've seen the level of players they've got and I think we need to guard against that."

• Hibs need to be wary that Rangers will be "hurting" and "desperate to turn it around".

• Gray "100%" has sympathy for under-pressure Rangers boss Russell Martin and says management can be "lonely" and "difficult" but "we all sign up to that".

• He is looking for improvement defensively and a "balance" in Hibs' performances, adding: "We also need to be more clinical."

• Belief is key for the Ibrox trip: "Going to places like Rangers and Celtic and places where it is notoriously harder to get a result, you need to go there and believe you can do it. If you don't genuinely believe it as a group, then it definitely won't happen."

• Gray believes the standard in the Premiership has improved this season and incoming managers have brought "new ideas".

• There is an "extra incentive" with the semi-finals being played at Hampden: "Some players, especially new players that have come, maybe haven't had the opportunity to play at the national stadium before. It isn't something that happens every week in your career, so you need to realise the opportunities."

• Hibs have no fresh injury concerns for the game.

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Rangers' tie with Hibs in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final on Saturday evening has been described as "a horrific fixture" for the struggling Ibrox club.

Russell Martin is under huge pressure with Rangers languishing 10th after no wins in his first five Premiership games, while Hibs sit third and are seeking to edge closer to a first major trophy since 2016.

"For Rangers, it's a horrific fixture for them to be going into," football journalist Moira Gordon told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"Hibs are a decent side. They have proven they're not intimidated by either of the Old Firm when they play them.

"It doesn't always mean they win it, but they're not intimidated. They'll go and give it a go.

"When Rangers are teetering the way they are at the moment, it's not a game they would fancy and Hibs are one of the last teams they would want to be coming to Ibrox for this game.

"Hibs have a huge chance of silverware this season."

Former goalkeeper Cammy Bell believes Hibs are well capable of beating Rangers as the hosts have been "so poor defensively".

"When you look at last weekend's defeat to Hearts, the high press, making the players uncomfortable, when Russell Martin has his players playing up from the back, you can clearly see Rangers are not comfortable doing that," he said.

"So I think that's the way Hibs will approach it. They've got the players to do it as well and the players have a lot of energy and quality about them.

"With everything that's been going on, Hibs is probably one of the teams you wouldn't want to face because they're an improving side and have added quality to their squad.

"They're young and hungry, with a manager who's nailed it for me on and off the pitch.

"It's a real difficult fixture for Rangers and there's not been enough showing me this season that Rangers can beat Hibs."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

Hibs forward Kieron Bowie is emerging as one of the stories of the season with four goals already, including an absolute wonder strike at home to Partizan Belgrade in Conference League qualifying.

The 22-year-old was sensational for David Gray's men that evening after leading the line superbly in the away leg.

He did likewise at Legia Warsaw before suffering heartache along with the rest of his team-mates in a gut-wrenching extra-time aggregate defeat, ending their Conference League dream.

Those impressive European efforts demonstrated what Hibs and their young striker are capable of against high-calibre opposition, but they have also played a part in the team's stuttering Premiership start.

Former Easter Road midfielder Scott Allan says Bowie is now the "focal point of the team" with what his all-round game offers.

He managed to score six goals in just five league starts in an injury-hit campaign last term and already looks integral to Hibs' hopes this season.

A fragile Rangers defence will not be looking forward to facing the centre-forward at what could be a toxic Ibrox on Saturday in the Premier Sports Cup quarter-final.

It was Gray's late header against the Govan side that sealed a sensational Scottish Cup triumph in 2016.

With the Easter Road icon now in the dugout, edging closer to the club's first silverware since that famous day with a last-eight win in Glasgow would be a notable - and realistic - next step for this exciting team.

Read more: What's the next step for Gray's Hibs?

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The draw for the Premier Sports Cup semi-finals will take place on Sunday after Partick Thistle v Celtic (15:30 BST) concludes.

The semis will be played on the weekend of 1-2 November with the final scheduled for Sunday, 14 December.

St Mirren's trip to Kilmarnock on Friday night (19:45) gets the quarter-finals under way before Aberdeen host Motherwell (15:00) on Saturday followed by Rangers v Hibs (17:45).