Hibernian

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland

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This was a match the Hibs of the first half of the season - who at one point were rock bottom of the Premiership - would have lost.

In fact, they did lose late on against United in October, with Joe Newell's red card eventually leading to the concession of two goals in stoppage time.

Now they carry a potent threat up front and have cultured players in the middle of the park, with Nectarios Triantis at the heart of much of their good work, sliding through a brilliant pass for Bowie to effectively win it.

David Gray's side are far more resilient in defence as well, with the back three of Jack Iredale, Rocky Bushiri and Warren O'Hora looking solid.

On this form, and with this momentum, Hibs will strongly fancy their chances of overtaking Aberdeen, now just one point in front, and finishing third.

Their only defeat in their last 17 games was against leaders Celtic, and they even managed to get the better of them at the weekend.

Next up, rivals Hearts at Easter Road on Sunday.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

When Hibernian recently announced losses of £7.2m in their annual accounts it rocked supporters and shareholders.

It is an astonishing loss. Just how can a club with an income of around £15m go so far over budget?

At Tuesday night's annual general meeting in the Famous Five Stand, around 200 shareholders gathered to ask key questions of the board.

New finance director Philippa Lombardi gave an impressive presentation, pointing out areas where money had been spent and admitting mistakes had been made, saying under her watch this won't happen again.

And when Ian Gordon confirmed his family were underwriting these losses and the cash would be offered as a donation it put everyone in the room at ease.

Gordon also gave an impressive presentation about the vision moving forward and how the partnership with Bill Foley and his Black Knight organisation can bring success to the club both on and off the park.

The most important aspect of any football club is what happens on the pitch and sporting director Malky Mackay showed those in attendance the plans to make Hibs a real force again in Scottish football and beyond.

So what could have been a tricky night for those on the board turned into one where the vast majority of shareholders left the room in buoyant mood.

They have undoubtedly been helped by the team's form, with the victory against Celtic fresh in everyone's minds and Hibs having gone 13 games undefeated.

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Hibernian executive director Ian Gordon says his family's emotional connection to the club means they are financially committed for the long haul.

At the club's agm on Tuesday, Gordon told around 200 shareholders his family will absorb Hibs' £7.2m losses this year.

Ian's father Ron became Hibs' majority shareholder in 2019 and although he died in 2023, the Gordon family remain owners with Ian and mother Kit on the board.

"I think there's such an emotional side to it now," Ian said. "Our family, we love this club. We live and breathe this club and my father felt that same way.

"And obviously through the passing of my dad, we felt that it was the right thing to do to continue this.

"I'm still a young guy, and my brother and I are wanting to carry the torch for my father. We love everything about this club and my mom, so it's something we're fully committed to."

Ian says the Gordon family's experience along with advice from Bournemouth owner Bill Foley and his Black Knight consortium - who invested in the club in March 2024 - will help them better manage finances moving forward.

Black Knight director Tim Bezbatchenko was alongside Gordon at the AGM.

"We know mistakes have been made," Gordon said.

"But we've learned so many lessons along that way, with the guidance of someone like Tim (from Black Knight) to help mentor me, but also help us make better decisions moving forward. I think we're in a really good spot."

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• Dundee United are unbeaten in their past six Scottish Premiership games against Hibs (W3 D3) since a 3-1 home reverse in December 2021.

• Hibs have lost each of their past three away games at Dundee United in the Scottish Premiership, this after winning three in a row across 2020-21 and 2021-22 beforehand.

• Dundee United have lost four of their past five Premiership matches played on a Wednesday (D1) since a 3-0 win over Ross County in December 2022.

• Hibs are unbeaten in five away league outings (W2 D3), last going longer without defeat on the road in the Scottish Premiership in December 2017 (nine).

• Dundee United's Jim Goodwin has won each of his last four Premiership home games against Hibs (two with Aberdeen, two with Dundee United) – his longest run of home wins against any side in his managerial career in the competition.

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Dundee United midfielder Craig Sibbald is close to returning after a groin injury.

Louis Moult missed Saturday's win over Motherwell due to a calf issue, while Ross Docherty is struggling after being forced off with a thigh problem.

Hibernian captain Joe Newell has suffered a fresh injury and drops out after returning to the squad on Saturday but Alasana Manneh is free of suspension and on-loan midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu is available after being ineligible to face parent club Celtic.

Dylan Levitt could also return, but Elie Youan (foot) is still out.

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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David Gray has warned Hibs against complacency after they took Celtic's scalp to extend their unbeaten run to 13 matches.

Hibs are aiming to continue their remarkable revival by leapfrogging Dundee United in fourth place with victory at Tannadice on Wednesday evening.

"The players are in a real good place," head coach Gray said.

"They're enjoying training and coming in with a smile on their face. There's no better feeling as a player than winning games and confidence and momentum is high but at the same time you're always guarding against not getting complacent.

"We see the other results at the weekend and it ended up being a huge three points for us and now we have the chance to catch the team above us."

Gray is expecting a difficult test at Tannadice, where his side conceded twice in injury time to lose 3-2 on their previous visit this season.

"Dundee United away will be a real tough game but if we win we go above them so that's all that's on the players' minds at the minute," he added.

"Jim [Goodwin] has done an incredible job for a newly-promoted side. They started the season incredibly well but they've continued that momentum.

"They are where they are in the league for a reason but all we are thinking about is that if we beat them we go above them in the table and we are going up there in a much better place than we were previously."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

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Hibs boss David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to face Dundee United on Wednesday night.

Here are the main points:

• Gray says the players are "in a really good place" after beating Celtic and insists "they deserve all the credit" for the work they've put in in recent games.

• But he stresses they are "guarding against getting complacent" amid the 13-game unbeaten run and are fully focused on Wednesday night's match with the knowledge a win will move them above United into fourth.

• Gray is hoping his side can mathematically secure a top-six spot as soon as possible which will also give them more chance of "catching the teams in front".

• On Jim Goodwin, Gray says he's "done an incredible job" at United, who are fourth in the league "for a reason". But the Hibs boss feels his team are heading to Tannadice "in a much better place than we were previously".

• He wouldn't be drawn on Jamie McGrath's pre-contract and insists "he's still an Aberdeen player" but does admit he was "delighted" to get the deal done.

• Joe Newell has picked up another injury that is set to keep him out for a number of weeks, which Gray admits is a "blow" given how hard the midfielder worked to get back on the pitch.

• Hyeok-kyu Kwon is available after being ineligible to face parent club Celtic while Alasana Manneh returns from suspension. Dylan Levitt trained fully but Hibs will wait and see "how he reacts".

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

What a weekend for the Hibees! A fantastic, hard-fought won over a Celtic side who are romping to the title extended David Gray's side's unbeaten run to 13 matches - the club's best run since the late 1970s.

It's huge testament to Gray and his coaching team that they have turned around an awful start to the season and built a side that exudes character, commitment and camaraderie.

This is a Hibs side built in the manager's image - unfussy, never about the individual, hard working and resolute.

Gray deserves a huge amount of credit for the boldness of his team selection. Adding Lewis Miller and Nathan Moriah-Welsh to the starting line-up despite neither having many recent first-team minutes was a brave move – and it paid off as both players put in a fantastic shift.

Moriah-Welsh showed why he was so highly rated at Bournemouth, and with Joe Newell back in the squad and Alasana Manneh returning from suspension, Gray will be happy to have a bit of a selection headache in midfield now.

There was the usual controversy that follows a Celtic defeat, but when you strip away the noise you'll see the victory was well deserved and it sets Hibs up for a real fight to the finish for fourth or even third place.

The fans serenaded the team off the park with Sunshine on Leith, marking the two-year anniversary of Ron Gordon's death. It was a great moment and one the players and club more than deserved.

Eddie May was absent from the dugout on Saturday after being involved in a car crash last week. I send my best wishes to Eddie and hope he has a speedy recovery.

Matty Fairnie can be found at Longbangers Podcast, external

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Hibs' victory over league leaders Celtic keeps the pressure on Dundee United in fourth and they've got three players in my Team of the Week.

Rocky Bushiri has gone from potential liability to Hibs lynchpin. Another heroic showing from the big Belgian.

So often the talisman and once again Martin Boyle showed his worth as speculation continues to swirl over his future at Easter Road.

Josh Campbell scored two goals to beat Celtic. Simply sensational.

Hibernian's Saturday win over Celtic has fuelled belief at Easter Road going into the teams' Scottish Cup meeting in Glasgow next month, says Kieron Bowie. (Record), external

Read Monday's Scottish gossip

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David Gray admitted it was a special feeling hearing 'Sunshine on Leith' echo around Easter Road again, as his side merited a chorus of the Proclaimers hit following their fine performance against Rangers.

After the dreadful start to the season, the Hibs faithful were reserved in their singing but they were in fine voice as they blasted out their favourite tune after full-time.

"I've been very fortunate as a player to stand there and feel that," Gray said. "Obviously, it's my first time as a manager which I'm delighted for but I've always said to the players that it's a real special moment that it's hard to get in this football club, but when it does come around you need to cherish it because it's so special.

"When you think back to how important that result was and performance was, it's then fitting as well that two years since Ron [Gordon] passed, you've seen the boards [around the stadium] today celebrating his life."

It was the second anniversary of the death of Hibs' former chairman, with his son Ian now at the helm of the Leith club.

"That's certainly something that he would be really proud of today looking down. I'm delighted for absolutely everyone involved.

"These are special moments with the players and the fans and the connection that's there at the minute. You can really feel it every time you take the field at the moment."

Watch the Sportscene panel analyse Rocky Bushiri's performance against Celtic.

Watch highlights as Hibs win 2-1 against Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

We asked for your views on Hibs' 2-1 win against Celtic.

Here's what some of you said:

Peter: Great overall performance from Hibs and a deserved three points. Celtic looked mentally jaded after Bayern Munich, while Hibs were mostly fully focussed. The big turnaround at Easter Road goes on - looking forward to Wednesday's contest in Dundee.

Bob: As a long time Hibs supporter, I am always expecting wobbles. Last week at St Mirren was very poor and this week outstanding. That sums up teams like Hibs who just can't keep the constant runs going. Pleased for David Gray as I was fearing his standing at Easter Road might have been tarnished in the earlier part of the season.

John: After a dismal start to the league they have turned it on and well done to everyone. I was not going to renew my season ticket but will have no qualms now. However, to qualify for Europe the run needs to keep going. The improvement started when Rocky Bushiri got back into the team. Get him signed up on a new contract now.

Alistair: Best team display in years. Hibs battled, defended and took their chances! Spot on with game management and substitutions. We may not have multi-million pound players like Celtic but you would've found it hard to separate them based on that. Add a couple of quality signings in summer and next season could be a special season for us.

Bea: Absolutely delighted, it's the only way to play against Celtic if you want a chance of winning. Do to them what they do to you, and to a man Hibs gave their all. Fabulous hearing Sunshine on Leith being belted out, long may it continue!

Malcolm: Thought the discipline and tight midfield formation didn't allow Celtic the normal space they need to start a creative build up. The clinical finishing of the Hibs front three added to the Celtic frustration. Tight marking and an aggressive defence added to the fact that the midfield continually backed up the defence with the tireless running.

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• Hibernian are undefeated in their last 11 games in the Premiership, their last longer unbeaten streak was from 31 January 2018 to 5 May 2018, a run of 12 games.

• Hibernian have avoided defeat in their last seven matches when scoring first in the Premiership, since a 1-4 loss to Dundee on 23 November 2024.

• Hibernian have scored 10 goals in the last 15 minutes of the first half, only Celtic (16) have scored more in the Premiership this season.

• Hibernian are unbeaten in their last 22 Premiership matches when leading at half-time (W16, D6) dating back to 18 March 2023 against Celtic (L1-3).

• Nectar Triantis has assisted four goals in the Premiership this season (one in this game), no Hibernian player has more.

• Daizen Maeda scored his ninth goal in the Premiership this season, a new career high in a single edition of the tournament.

• Celtic have scored in 25 of their 27 games, more often than any other team in the Premiership this season.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Hibs' hero Josh Campbell said he was a "due a goal" before his match-winning double downed Celtic at Easter Road.

The 24-year-old had only scored two goals this season but has shown a knack for popping up with important strikes before, and demonstrated that talent again on Saturday.

"The goals have dried up a wee bit for me," Campbell admitted. "I normally get quite a few, or a couple a season, so I was due. The boys were saying during the week I was due a couple of goals, so what's better than one than two?

"[My teammates] were saying if there was a penalty, they were chucking me the ball but yeah, if it came along I would have hoped for a third."

David Gray's side flew out the blocks to rattle Celtic, who looked leggy after their energy-sapping draw with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, that saw them knocked out of the Champions League.

Campbell made the most of that to breeze through a huge gap in the Celtic defence and slot the ball into the corner for the opener.

"Mad times to score goals but probably the best times to score," he said. "We knew that they had a mid-week game so we knew if we could get after them, start fast with high tempo, we'd get a chance and we did in the first minute.

"The manager said before the game, let's go and press them high. They played mid-week, they might be a wee bit tired and it turned out they were a wee bit, so we got the luck and then we scored and it put us in a good start.

"The defence were brilliant, from the goalie to everyone in the back five, even Nectar [Triantis] dropping in at times to make it a back six. We know how good they are and to defend for as long as we did, I think it was like 70 minutes we scored, so to hold on for 98 minutes of the game, it's a credit to them."

It looked like Celtic had found a late equaliser and Daizen Maeda bundled in, but the play was pulled back as the ball was adjudged to have crossed the line earlier in the attack for a goal kick.

"I knew the ball was miles out, I knew it," Campbell said. "I could see it from a mile away.

"But there is that doubt when it goes to VAR but no, I had trust it was out. I was pretty sure I could see from where I was standing the ball was out."

Hibs fans, what did you make of your side's superb Premiership victory over league-leaders Celtic at Easter Road?

Who stood out for you from David Gray's side, and are you confident the current unbeaten run can continue?

Have your say on the game., external

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Given the form Hibs have shown since being beaten 3-0 at Celtic Park in December, the visitors must have expected a fast start. But they were unable to stop it.

Nectarios Triantis wasn't picked up in midfield, and he slid a pass towards Josh Campbell, who took a touch before sliding a calm finish beyond Kasper Schmeichel.

It set the tone for the first half as Hibs caused problems both from set-pieces and on the break.

Kieron Bowie and Martin Boyle caused plenty of issues, starting as the front two for the first time.

The youngster's physicality and eye for goal combined with the talisman's pace and energy surely means Gray will look to develop that partnership further.

It was Boyle who picked out Campbell for the second goal and, although the offside flag went up, a VAR check showed Auston Trusty was playing Campbell onside.

The second half was more a test of Hibs' grit and defensive mettle, but it was a challenge they stood up to magnificently.

Rocky Bushiri continued his resurgence in defence, running himself into the ground and heroically blocking Jota's goal-bound shot.

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Hibernian head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "I'm delighted for the players. I challenged them before the game saying every one of them needs to be at the top of their game and I got that from every single player. I thought we fully deserved it.

"We started the game really positively, nice and aggressive in our press and we took our chances.

"I've always believed in Josh Campbell. His strengths are his running power and his ability to arrive in the box. The shape of the team helps him showcase his talent.

"Your mentality and character is always going to be tested when Celtic get that goal. Can you find a way to hold out? They are always going to keep pushing.

"I've not seen it back but I believe it's fractionally out so I'm delighted the pitch is the size that it is.

"We're trying to accumulate as many points as we can before the split, and it's still about catching the team in front of us. It keeps that run going, the feel-good factor going - a massive three points."

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Hibs' Martin Boyle is "100%" open to extending his stay at Hibs but admits discussions on his future are yet to take place.

Boyle's contract runs out at the end of the current season but the attacker is remaining focused on matters on the park for now.

When asked whether he had spoken to the club, he said: "I haven't, no. Just fully focusing on playing the best as I can for this club, always have been and we'll see where that is at the end of the season.

"Yeah, 100% [open to staying], it's a club of love, it's close to my heart but it's way at the back of my mind.

"I want to concentrate on what we'll do for the club at the moment and whatever happens with that happens."

On the field, the Easter Road side are on a 12-game unbeaten run after a rocky start to the season under head coach David Gray.

"I think a lot of things have gone our way compared to what they were," said Boyle, who has had to fight his way back from early-season injuries.

"Small changes, tweaks of the formation and much more defensively structured than we have been and obviously we're trying to get after teams."

Boyle has moved into a more central striking role with Hibs playing a 3-4-1-2 formation, and he is relishing the opportunity.

"In my new position, I can kind of express myself a bit more, get around the pitch and obviously press from the front, which is key to the way we're playing at the moment."