David Gray notes Celtic’s Champions League experience as Hibernian boss outlines approach for clash

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Celtic and Hibernian lock horns this afternoon as both look to claim valuable Scottish Premiership points that would make a difference at both ends of the table.

Brendan Rodgers knows there is a quick turnaround between today’s encounter and the Bhoys’ trip to Zagreb in midweek, making rotation a likely prospect for the reigning champions.

Midweek produced a trying environment at Pittodrie, but Celtic rose to the challenge and saw off Aberdeen to move seven points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.

On the other hand, Hibernian won against Motherwell last weekend to lift themselves off the foot of the table, putting an end to their early-season misery.

With anticipation building ahead of today’s meeting, David Gray has outlined what he expects from champions Celtic.

David Gray expecting tough test from champions Celtic

Speaking ahead of the Scottish Premiership encounter, Gray admitted his players will be in for a tough test against ‘Champions League players’ later today.

He explained: “As a team, for us, we need to concentrate on what we can do.We need every player to be at their absolute maximum and you need to hope that that’s enough.

“You need to have a good game plan, you need to be structured in what you do. At times you need to ride your luck, that’s what happens. But you need to have that confidence going there that you’re not just going there hoping, you need to go there and believe in what we’re doing and really back yourself in these situations.

“It’s also a really good test that the players can look forward to, testing them against Champions League players.. A lot of players who are in my squad at the moment have aspirations to go and play at higher levels if they can or they want to try and reach the highest level they can.

“So it’s a great opportunity for them to test themselves against a good side in a great arena to play football.”

Brendan Rodgers could rotate his Celtic side vs Hibernian

Amid a heavy fixture schedule, Rodgers has signalled Celtic will rotate their squad to maximise output and avoid any forthcoming burnout involving key men.

Today, there is every possibility several changes may come into play amid the short timeframe between the full-time whistle and Tuesday’s action against Dinamo Zagreb.

Hopefully, a similar theme of the first-team not depreciating in quality with fringe stars getting a chance to sign can create the foundation for another positive result.