Hibernian boss Lee Johnson hints at team selection ahead of Celtic Park trip

By Lewis Laird

October 13, 2022

Hibernian boss Lee Johnson has hinted that his side could make a few changes ahead of their trip to Celtic Park this weekend.

The Easter Road side currently sits 3rd place in the Scottish Premiership after bouncing back from a disappointing start in the league.

Following a run of four games without a win, Johnson has reversed his side’s fortunes, taking them on a four-game winning run of their own.

However, that consistent run came to an end on Tuesday night, as Hibernian suffered a frustrating 1-0 loss to the hands of Dundee United at Tannadice.

Despite the disappointment of the midweek loss, the Hibs boss seemed pleased with aspects of his team’s play as he looked ahead to a ‘very big game’ in Glasgow this weekend.

After naming the same consecutive starting line-up for the last three games in a row, Johnson also hinted that there could be some changes to his side against Celtic on Saturday as he looks to tinker with his squad.

He said [Edinburgh Evening News]: “I have to keep the spirits high because we’re going into a very big game that’s going to demand a lot of energy and more concentration than we showed for the goal.

“But, some of our play was very, very good. We look fit, played on the front foot, we hassled, we harried. I can’t be too displeased with the actual performance.”

Johnson continued: “I think I was pretty brave and bold with the subs. It’s brilliant that we’ve got these options from the bench and people who can affect the game.

“And they have to affect the games now because if somebody doesn’t, it’s next man in. It’s not a charity.

“There were just one or two against United that made me think, ‘it might be time for somebody else to step into your slot’.

“We’ve got Rocky Bushiri to step in, and Kevin Nisbet is back in contact training although that will be a bit longer.”

On-form Hibernian will provide a good test at Celtic Park this weekend.

Whilst Ange Postecoglou’s side might have also been in action on Tuesday evening, I am sure the Celtic boss will have had a close eye on Hibernian’s performances.

Currently, the capital side are the best of the rest in the Scottish Premiership and have picked up some crucial points in recent weeks.

Although they suffered defeat during the week, it doesn’t sound as though they played too badly against Dundee United, with Johnson still taking away positives from the game.

As Celtic look to get back to winning ways following their own midweek frustration, Hibernian should provide a decent test after a few positive results in recent times.

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