Hibernian head coach David Gray has been speaking to the media before the visit of Celtic on Sunday.
Here are the main points:
- Gray says last weekend’s derby loss to Hearts was “really difficult” for the staff and players but stresses: “My job is to make sure I lift the players as quick as I can.”
- He insists “there’s been no finger pointing” after the 2-1 defeat in which goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger and Felix Passlack were sent off.
- Gray says fourth place – and guaranteed European football – is “still achievable” but admits “we are relying on other results” after Motherwell beat Rangers to open a six-point gap with four games remaining.
- The Hibs boss says his players can “take confidence” from their 2-1 win at Celtic Park in February but admits it doesn’t make this weekend’s game “any easier”.
- He is expecting more “twists and turns” before the end of the season and adds: “All we can do is keep our own house in order and make sure we get the maximum out the group that we can.”
- A Hibs victory on Sunday would help Hearts’ title challenge and Gray understands some supporters may not want his side to win the game: “I grew up in the city, I know exactly what it’s like.” However, he insists Hibs need to do “everything we possibly can” in an effort to finish fourth.
- While he understands “the noise around the game”, Gray insists Hibs must remain focused on pushing for Europe and go “full pelt” into the final four games.
- Josh Mulligan has trained all week but is a doubt for the game, as is Munashe Garanaga but Gray expects him back before the end of the season. Passlack and Sallinger are both suspended following their red cards.