Hibernian

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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David Gray has been speaking to the media ahead of Hibernian's fixture against Hearts on Tuesday night.

Here are the key lines from his press conference:

• Says "league position or division" means nothing when it comes to an Edinburgh derby, it's just a usual game as long as "you don't get carried away with it."

• Placed emphasis on the "atmosphere" that he's expecting at Tynecastle and says it's "a massive plus for the derbies when you've got your whole support behind the goal."

• In his talks with the players he says it's vital they are "calming the chaos," despite it being the derby, and that Hibs "need to be clinical."

• Adds the new signings have brought "a freshness" to the group, but insists there is a "togetherness" in the squad.

• Says Hearts being in the position they are in the league "doesn't happen by accident," and says that their "consistency and home form is something we're aware of."

• Fine margins in the games so far this season and expects Tuesday to be no different, and thinks there will be "big moments at either end."

• Jordan Obita joins Grant Hanley and Josh Mulligan on the injured list. Jamie McGrath and Warren O'Hora trained on Monday, but will see how they respond before deciding if they will play.

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Hearts' defender Craig Halkett is suspended after his red card in the defeat by St Mirren, but Christian Borchgrevink is back training and could be available.

Stephen Kingsley continues to miss out, along with Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Calem Nieuwenhof and Finlay Pollock.

For Hibs, Jordan Obita, Grant Hanley and Josh Mulligan will all sit out through injury.

David Gray will give Jamie McGrath and Warren O'Hora until the last minute to prove their fitness.

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• Hearts have only lost one of their last eight home games against rivals Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership (W3 D4), a 1-2 reverse in December 2024 under Neil Critchley.

• Hibernian have won three of the last four Edinburgh derbies in the Scottish Premiership (L1), as many as their previous 19 top-flight meetings with Hearts beforehand (W3 D9 L7).

• Heart of Midlothian are unbeaten in their last 14 home league games (W10 D4) since a 0-1 defeat to Dundee in April 2025. It's Hearts' longest unbeaten home run in the top-flight since October 2004, when they went 16 without losing – the 15th of which was a 2-1 win over rivals Hibernian.

• Since Christmas Day, only Rangers (22) have earned more points in the Scottish Premiership than Hibernian (14), who have won four and lost just one of seven league games in this time (D2).

• Since his debut for the club in July 2022, Hearts have only won six of the 20 league games in which Lawrence Shankland hasn't been in their starting XI (30 per cent). This is compared to a 50 per cent-win rate with the striker starting (60/119) in this period.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Ante Suto's late winner against Dundee United brought Easter Road back to life - and might just provide the lift the club have been searching for.

For long spells on Wednesday night, though, it was a difficult watch for the home support.

Despite United only taking the lead late on, the warning signs were there throughout the second half and the Hibs defence appeared stretched whenever the ball was delivered into the box.

David Gray admitted afterwards he had concerns about the manner in which the two goals were conceded, and it was hard to argue.

Yet this Hibs side still has the ability to turn it on. When you can introduce a player like Nicky Cadden from the bench, someone capable of delivering real quality into dangerous areas, there is always a chance.

Next comes the real test. A short journey across the city to Tynecastle.

There will be no need for elaborate motivational speeches. For players and supporters alike, these fixtures define seasons. League positions are often rendered meaningless when these rivals meet.

What matters instead is who can cope best with the physical demands, the mental pressure and the emotional intensity.

These games are won by those who can impose themselves, keep their focus and remain composed when those around them lose control.

This is not a fixture for the faint-hearted. And when the dust settles, it may well be the side with the calmest heads who claim victory.

Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan believes David Gray's side are primed for a "really good second part of the season" despite the departure of Kieron Bowie.

Hibs are fifth in the Premiership, four points behind Motherwell who have a game in hand, and three above Falkirk in sixth.

The Easter Road club have struggled for consistency this season and were knocked out of the Scottish Cup by Dunfermline this month before being thumped by Falkirk.

However, following a flurry of late activity in the transfer window, Hibs have taken four points from the past two games, holding Rangers then beating Dundee United in a five-goal epic.

"There's no getting away from the fact that Hearts doing so well has added pressure to David Gray," Allan told the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast.

"That's why going out of the Scottish Cup so early on to Dunfermline was one of the results that really would have frustrated Gray, because when you see Hearts doing so well, the fans are then looking at the cup run. Can they get to a final and give themselves a chance of a bit of silverware?"

Allan thinks the manner of victory over United on Tuesday night, when Gray's men came from 2-1 down to win 3-2 thanks to new signing Ante Suto's stoppage-time header, will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the campaign.

"You're integrating some new players, six signings have come in for Hibs," he added.

"You've lost Kieron Bowie. Jamie McGrath, who's been a real standout for Hibs this season, is injured, and so is Josh Mulligan, who also has been a real driving force in the midfield. So you're having to add players who you've signed into the fold very early on and I think that's quite difficult.

"For Hibs to get the win and in the manner they did, to score so late on with a fantastic header from Suto, they're the sort of wins that really give you something to build on.

"These last two performances, off the back of losing to Falkirk and in Dunfermline, I think it sets Hibs up for really good part of second half of the season."

Scotland defender Grant Hanley faces up to a month on the sidelines with a hamstring injury, ruling him out of a string of vital fixtures for Hibernian. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Striker Ante Suto admits he had "goosebumps" before even taking to the pitch for a dream Hibs debut.

The Croatian, a deadline-day arrival Slaven Belupo, had the home fans in raptures with a 93rd-minute winner against Dundee United on Wednesday night to complete incredible late drama.

Having led through Martin Boyle's first-half strike, Hibs conceded twice late on to trail 2-1 with nine minutes left. A Ross Graham own goal restored parity before substitute Suto's superb header from a Nicky Cadden cross snatched victory.

"You could see from my celebration how much I enjoyed it," the 25-year-old told BBC Scotland.

"It's amazing. I was so excited to come here, so excited to play in front of this crowd. I couldn't dream of a better start.

"I got goosebumps just from watching. It's an amazing feeling. Just amazing.

"They [United] turned it around and started winning but we believed until the end. We showed that. I think we had a deserved win."

Although he only signed on Monday, Suso says talks initially took place last summer.

"I was in contact with the club six months ago," he added. "Again, they called me a few days ago. I was so excited back then and now also. It was an easy decision for me.

"They were fast. We got the deal done in maybe 24 hours."

Next up for Suto and Hibs is a trip to Tynecastle on Tuesday night for the Edinburgh derby - a game the striker already knows the magnitude of.

"When I was coming, I got messages from the fans. Everyone was talking about that game. I know what it means. We will give our best to win the game. It'll be a fantastic night, hopefully."

We asked for your thoughts as Hibs left it late to beat Dundee United 3-2 at Easter Road.

Here are some of your comments:

Ali: David Gray must go, no point in having a moan but I'll crack on anyway. Performances continue to be poor, set-up poor, approach poor and subs absolutely ridiculous. He will get away with it as a win is a win but the club needs a shake. No imagination in our play, it's so boring to watch, the pitch doesn't help mind you. We're so far behind Hearts it is stomach churning.

Aidan: There was talk in December after beating Hearts that it was a statement win, however I think coming from 2-1 down with little time left to win a game with a depleted squad is a big statement. New signings showing good early signs and they are maybe not even fully up to speed yet. Plenty reasons to be positive.

Mark: If we'd lost or drawn, that was on Gray. Taking Dane Scarlett and Dan Barlaser off and leaving Elie Youan on was ridiculous. Dundee United had done nothing all game and yet ended up ahead. A great winner from Ante Suto saved Sir David's blushes.

Billy: Another topsy-turvy display by Hibs and a nail-biting finish, definitely one for the neutral as this game swung each way until deep into stoppage time. The crowd played their part encouraging that little bit of extra effort to get this result going the right way. Miguel Chaiwa and Suto impressed me most. Onwards and hopefully upwards.

Ringo: Hibs really poor in the second half but good fightback in the end to get the win. Some goal from Suto now we can look forward to the derby. I really hope Hibs go for it, I'd love to beat them as we have nothing else to play for so a derby win is what we need and try and get fourth in the league. Scarlett had a good game, he looks the part. More to come from him I think.

Kenny: Gray's team got him out of jail with the late goals. He tried to defend a one-goal lead and it backfired. He needs to start trusting the players more. He took off Martin Boyle when he was keeping United's left side under pressure. Nicky Cadden won the game for us with time running out. We got away with this one.

Watch all the highlights as Hibs scored a late winner to beat Dundee United 3-2 in the Scottish Premiership. (Available to UK users only)

Hibernian debutant Ante Suto scored a brilliant header in stoppage time to complete a dramatic comeback win against Dundee United, whose Scottish Premiership top-six hopes were dealt a severe blow.

What did you make of Hibs' performance? Have your say.

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Hibernian manager David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "The biggest thing is we found a way to win. That's the most pleasing thing.

"We need to use that winning feeling as a way to kick on. Delighted with that because threw the squad together, quite stretched, a few niggles.

"You have to credit Dundee United. I felt we still had the best chance of the second half with Boyley's to go 2-0. Then it was a game of set-pieces from that point.

"Extremely disappointed to lose the two goals from set-pieces - it just shows you the importance of them in any league, it's decided the game tonight.

"It's something Nicky's always had, that delivery. For Ante coming in - a dream debut for him - it was a fantastic header.

"We will get better. There's a lot of players listening to me for the first time and understanding Scottish football. It sets us up lovely going into a derby."

We asked for your thoughts on Hibernian's business in the January transfer window.

Here's what some of you said:

Scott: The three deadline day additions look to have decent pedigrees and, allowing for a relative lack of recent game time, I thought Dane Scarlett and Owen Elding looked lively and energetic. We have some tough games coming up and I hope we can get the new players integrated and up to speed quickly enough to help us push up the league and convert more of the chances being created.

Mark: Hopefully excellent signings but time will tell. Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett haven't been given much match time so makes sense to move them on and hopefully Thibault Klidje can get a lot of game time on his loan and come back a more confident player. Onwards and upwards for the Hibs.

Bea: I'm happy with the incomings and outgoings at Easter Road, we look to have quality in our attacking and defending options with Kai Andrews a good addition to the midfield, hopefully we now kick on.

Kenny: The boys that came off the bench on Sunday made a difference and brought some energy to the team which had been lacking. We need to wait and see what the rest are like so time will tell. I would like to know what's happening with the academy. The odd player comes through but I think we need to seriously look at that and who's running it as it's doesn't look like there's a lot happening.

Brady: Hibs' transfer window has been excellent and exciting. Hopefully new signings settle in well and help Hibs with the remainder of the season. Bit disappointed at Klidje going away on loan, especially as we only just signed him for a record amount. Overall I'm looking forward to the second half of the season and seeing our new players in action.

Tam: Looking forward to these new signings, we've been needing some hard but fair players, hopefully they'll do the business.

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• Hibernian are unbeaten in five Scottish Premiership games against Dundee United (W2 D3), their longest run over them in the top-flight since going nine without defeat from March 2006 to September 2008.

• Both teams have scored in each of the last eight Scottish Premiership matches between Hibernian (16 goals) and Dundee United (14 goals) since the Tangerines won 1-0 in October 2022.

• Hibernian have lost 10 of their last 14 home games played on a Wednesday in the Scottish Premiership (W4), including four of five since the 2023-24 season.

• Dundee United have only won one of their last nine away league games (D5 L3), beating Livingston 3-1 in December.

• Dundee United's Luca Stephenson has scored four goals in five Scottish Premiership appearances against Hibernian, including three in two this season.

Felix Passlack - a deadline-day arrival at Easter Road who is in line to make his debut against Dundee United - says his Borussia Dortmund upbringing is perfection preparation for him to thrive at Hibernian. (Daily Record)

Hibs head coach David Gray has stressed Thibault Klidje can still have a long-term future at Easter Road despite his shock deadline-day move. (The Scotsman)

Read the rest of Wednesday's gossip.

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Hibs could hand debuts to Felix Passlack, Ante Suto and Munashe Garananga while Josh Campbell returns and Miguel Chaiwa has shaken off a head knock. Grant Hanley (hamstring) drops out.

Dundee United are without the suspended Amar Fatah and Pan Camara after the club's appeal against the duo's red cards was dismissed.

New signing Emmanuel Agyei could feature. Vicko Sevelj (groin) and Isaac Pappoe (knee) miss out.

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Thibault Klidje can have a long-term future at Hibs, insists head coach David Gray, after the club's record signing left for a loan spell at Randers.

The Danish club have an option to buy the Togo international striker, who moved to Edinburgh last summer from Luzern for a seven-figure fee.

The 24-year-old has netted four goals, with just nine of his 26 appearances coming from the start.

"I took my time with him, settling him in, culturally and everything else, and not putting too much pressure on Thibault too early," said Gray of the player who is under contract until 2028.

"He has had a few setbacks with injury and illness and game time hasn't been as regular as he would have liked probably, and for everybody involved, to be honest.

"This is a good opportunity for him to go and get a bank of games under his belt where he can be that out-and-out nine that we know he can be.

"We will keep an eye on him and at the end of the season he will come back in a much better place, I'm sure.

"When you talk about the option, that's something that is quite common, for teams to protect themselves a little bit. That has to work for everybody involved.

"But my focus for him is to come back in as good a shape as possible with confidence levels as high as he can, and that would be the aim until someone wants to do something different."

Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett also departed on Monday, with three new players arriving.

Right-back Felix Passlack, attacker Ante Suto and centre-back Munashe Garananga add to the earlier arrivals of Owen Elding, Dane Scarlett and Kai Andrews, while top-scorer Kieron Bowie has joined Hellas Verona for a club record fee.

"I'm really happy with where we are," said Gray, who is preparing for Wednesday's home game with Dundee United. "We have even seen that with the new additions when they came on in the Rangers game, they added an energy and freshness.

"The new additions again in the last 24 hours all trained and added to that freshness again."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

Hibs have been busy shaping the squad for the end-of-season run-in.

While Kieron Bowie has departed to Hellas Verona in a club record deal worth up to £7m, Owen Elding, Dane Scarlett, Kai Andrews, Felix Passlack and Ante Suto all arrived to bolster David Gray's options.

Thibault Klidje - having struggled for starts since becoming Hibs' most expensive signing - has gone out on loan, while Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett have departed permananetly.

David Gray himself answered a lot of questions on Sunday, getting every ounce of performance out of a team that was patched together from virtually his only available players as injury and illness have ravaged the squad.

To add to his troubles, he lost both Miguel Chaiwa and Grant Hanley during the game, so it speaks volumes for Gray's leadership credentials that his makeshift team, including three signings only just in the door, not only held Rangers but had the Glasgow side counting themselves lucky to leave with a point.

Hibs have been criticised for not having a right good go at Rangers this season, but nobody could level that accusation at them on Sunday. We took the game to Rangers and on another day would have won the game comfortably.

Gray was right to point out that despite the grumbles from the past two weeks, Hibs have just one defeat in seven games. Strip away the noise and his results aren't anywhere near as bad as some would have you believe.

Now he's strengthened the squad, he must push on from here starting with a big game on Wednesday against Dundee United.

With Falkirk hot on our heels, three points at home are a must for Hibs, and I fancy us to take them.

You can find Matty Fairnie at Longbangers podcast, external

With the transfer window now shut, we want to know if you think your team have made the right moves.

Hibs made three signings on deadline day, buying forward Ante Suto and wing-back Felix Passlack while centre-half Munashe Garananga joined on loan.

That took the club's winter haul to six after the arrivals of Owen Elding, Dane Scarlett and Kai Andrews.

Kieron Bowie departed in a club-record sale to Hellas Verona while record signing Thibault Klidje left on loan and Dylan Levitt and Junior Hoilett departed in permanent moves.

Are you happy with Hibs' business? Are they now in good shape for a strong finish to the season?

Share your thoughts here.

Midfielder Kai Andrews, 19, hopes his loan spell at Hibernian from Coventry City will propel him to the Premier League and a regular Wales place. (Record), external

Tuesday's Scottish gossip