Hibernian travel to Celtic Park on Saturday looking to make history and become the first Hibs side to win at the home of the Scottish Premiership champions since 2010.
David Gray’s side head into the match away to Brendan Rodgers’ unbeaten Hoops off the back of six matches without a win across all competitions, but like the hosts, remain undefeated in the league with one win and four draws so far in the Premiership.
However, a Premier Sports Cup defeat at Ibrox was followed by a two each draw away at newly promoted Falkirk, where the Hibees managed to leave with a single point despite being two goals ahead of the Bairns on 44 minutes.
Gray has recruited strongly over the past two seasons and has build an excellent core of players but one position has been called into question ahead of the trip to Glasgow. Goalkeeper.
Following Tuesday evening’s score draw at Falkirk, Gray spoke about his depth of options between the sticks: “I think this is something that you can get caught up in with labels who’s your number one?
“I think goalkeepers are always in a position where, it’s a very vulnerable place, if you make a mistake, there’s no hiding place for them, they both get the opportunity every single day in training, and I think both goalies have done well when they’ve played.
“I’ve spoken to Smudge [Jordan Smith] a few times about areas in which he’s been disappointing with some goals he’s lost, but he has also had some big performances.
“In terms of the goalkeeping department, I’ve got two very good goalkeepers at the club, and it’s another headache for me every single week, to decide what we’re going to do.”
Gray was questioned on the situation after opting to retain usual backup Raphael Sallinger between the sticks of the league match against Falkirk, having played in the previous weekend’s cup clash at Ibrox.
Gray gave his reasoning behind the decision: “Rafael was always going to play the Rangers game, that was something we decided beforehand.
“I spoke to goalkeepers about that, it wasn’t as if I was looking at Smudge thinking that I need to change it.
“I was just very honest, with Smudge tonight, I seen things in the game at Rangers that I thought would benefit us tonight and for Rafael to keep the gloves.
“He was good again tonight, again, I’m not doing it because I felt that there was an issue, I just felt Rafael starting would give us the best opportunity tonight.”
With four conceded over the two games, but some good saves in both matches, it will be a big call for the former Hibs captain whether he reinstates long-term first choice Smith for the clash at Parkhead or continues with the Austrian understudy who featured these past two weeks.
Celtic, whilst in good form, head into the match amid a fury of fan protests against their incumbent board after a poor transfer window and shock UEFA Champions League exit to Karait Almaty in the qualifying round.
