Celtic head to Easter Road on Sunday with a spring in their step.
Whatever the end result against Hibernian, it will be an emotional afternoon for all Celtic supporters, because it is set to be Martin O’Neill’s final game in charge ahead of Wilfried Nancy’s arrival.
O’Neill is yet to taste defeat as interim Celtic manager, as David Gray and his Hibernian team stand in his way when second faces third.
Ahead of the Premiership encounter, Gray, whose Hibs side was beaten by Motherwell in midweek, spoke about all things Celtic, including that Feyenoord trip.
What does your Celtic XI look like for the Hibs game?
David Gray on Celtic winning away in Europe
In recent years, Scotland’s coefficient has taken some serious hits, which is why Gray was keen to point out that Celtic beating Feyenoord in the Europa League was ‘good for Scottish football.’
Even though it has been an up-and-down season for the champions of Scotland, including dropping points against Hibs back in September, Gray completely understands what his team are up against.
“They have had some very positive results,” said Gray. “No more so than (against Feyenoord).
“Winning away in Europe is not something they have been consistently doing. So, to go and do that, it was a massive result for them. It’s good for Scottish football as well.
“I think the test, regardless of who the manager is and the coaching staff. They have got very good players, who have a way of playing. A lot of their players are used to winning games of football games as well. So, we know the challenge is going to be there.”
Gray on facing Martin O’Neill in his final game in charge of Celtic
Aside from a few games, away in Midtjylland and against St Mirren, the performances under O’Neill have been rather impressive and very different to what was being produced under Brendan Rodgers during the opening months of the campaign.
Hopefully, more of that fight, aggression and attacking bite can be shown against Hibernian, as Gray is aiming to spoil O’Neill’s leaving party.
Meet the Hibs danger man. Would you take him at Celtic?
Kieron Bowie’s 2025/26 stats
- Games: 21
- Goals: 5
- Assists: 3
- Minutes per goal: 325
“If it is going to be the final game in charge for Martin O’Neill,” added Gray.
“We want to make sure it doesn’t end on a high. I am sure he will want to be the opposite. That’s the challenge for us. The challenge for the players is to make sure we start the game as well as we can. On the front foot, and trying to put Tuesday night (defeat against Motherwell) right on Sunday.”
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