Being dumped out the Scottish Cup is always a kick in the jewels. But Sunday’s defeat at Celtic Park doesn’t have to take the shine off Hibs’ season. It really could still be a gem even without silverware.
Let’s be honest, both cup draws were so cruel to Hibs I wondered if Craig Levein had been the man with his hands on the balls. Landing away ties to Celtic in both was like a punishment that could only be carved up by a Jambo.
But there is a positive. Being pumped out the cup might just clear the way for Hibs to go and grab the lucrative Euro spot that currently goes to the team that lifts the trophy at Hampden in May. Why? Because nobody left in the tournament is going to stop Celtic going onto win the cup and secure the Treble. I’m certain about that.
That means the Europa League play-off spot – and safety net of Conference League group stage football – will fall back to the team finishing third in the league. Hibs have got themselves into pole position. And I don’t think they’ll be caught on the home straight.
Unlike the cup which would be in the lap of Gods at Hampden for two games, I reckon Hibs are a strong bet to land the Premiership’s best of the rest spot. That race for third has certainly taken on added incentive, added pressure. Ask me and it’s a straight fight between Hibs and Aberdeen.
Hearts are too far off. They would need to go on an incredible run of form and it’s not just one club they’re chasing it’s four. They’re best hope of more Euro group stage football is winning the cup.
Dundee United and Motherwell I can’t imagine will have the consistency to finish third. It’s all in Hibs’ hands. They have a decent run of four fixtures before the split – Kilmarnock away this weekend where they must show again they can win the battle and send out a statement that the Celtic defeat was just a blip.
Then it’s St Johnstone at home, Rangers away – and we all know what they’ve been like at Ibrox recently – and Dundee back at Easter Road.
It’s a real opportunity to go into the split with everything in their own hands. And if you’d suggested that after 13 or 14 games when Hibs were bottom of the league you’d have been laughed out the room.
But David Gray’s side have a steeliness about them now, which was evident against Celtic Park on Sunday, whereas earlier in the season they were being branded soft every week.
They also have a real threat right across the forward areas although that sadly wasn’t seen at Parkhead. But perhaps the biggest weapon in their armoury right now? The supporters.
The sight of 7000 fans at Celtic Park was absolutely magnificent. What a symbol that was of the reconnection between the players, the supporters and everyone at the club.
It really helped the atmosphere, not only for Gray’s players but for Celtic as well. What a turnaround from four months ago when Easter Road turned absolutely toxic with the side rooted to the bottom of the table.
To get 7000 at an away game is incredible and the standing ovation they gave the players after the 2-0 defeat will have sent positive vibes through the squad.
It’s the first time in a good few seasons I’ve seen that connection and it’s now about keeping it – by paying them back. That means clinching third spot.
Sunday was a sore one but it was always going to be tough at Celtic Park, particularly after having prodded the monster by beating them in the league a few weeks earlier. When you go to Parkhead you need Celtic to have an off-day.
You could tell from the first couple of minutes that Celtic were on it. They’d wound them up a fortnight earlier. It was pay back time.
Brendan Rodgers players were intent on putting them back in their place, a bit like they did to Aberdeen in the League Cup semi final. And nobody in Scotland can stop them in that mood.
Hibs can take positives from the way they defended and didn’t capitulate under the pressure. Going forward, they didn’t really create anything which was probably the biggest sticking point. But I think the game plan was stay in the game for 70, 75 minutes and then open up and have a go.
That’s gone now. It’s all about the last nine games of the Premiership season starting at Kilmarnock on Saturday where I’m sure another high travelling support will be in attendance.
If Hibs can get that Europa League play-off spot then you see the riches that come with that for a club of their stature. There’s been big losses in the last couple of seasons so that money would be absolutely massive.
It might even be the difference between David Gray being able to shop in Primark or Marks and Spencer in the summer transfer window.