Hibernian

Image source, SNS

With Saturday's 2-0 victory over Rangers at Ibrox, Hibernian's first since 2018, David Gray's side made it 16 games unbeaten in the top flight.

In fact, you'd have to go back to 7 December to find the last league defeat the Easter Road club suffered - a 3-0 defeat by Celtic at Parkhead.

If the league had kicked off the day after that loss, they would be far and away the best team in Scotland, such is their form.

Gray's side have won 11 of their past 16 games - more than any other side in the top flight - and haven't lost a single one, something no other team in the division has achieved.

As well as beating both sides of the Old Firm in that period, they've got a better defensive record than them both as well.

Hibs have conceded four fewer goals than Celtic and 10 fewer than Rangers and have also picked up six more points than both Glasgow teams.

Hibs' win over Rangers moved them within 15 points of the Ibrox club with six games still to play.

David Gray's next test comes in the form of Dundee, currently fighting for their survival at the bottom end of the Premiership. Can they make it 17 unbeaten in their search for a third-place finish?

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

Hibernian continued their magnificent league form with a 2-0 win at Ibrox on Saturday and duly have three players in my team of the week.

Rocky Bushiri has matured and flourished under David Gray as the season has progressed, much as the team has as a whole. He has become a seriously important player

Dylan Levitt took a chance with a drive from range and set Hibs on their way to victory, with the help of a fumble from Rangers keeper Jack Butland.

Nectarios Triantis also gets the nod in midfield. He continues to impress in the centre of this Hibs side - what a season he is having on loan from Sunderland.

Watch the Sportscene panel discuss Martin Boyle's goal in Hibs' victory over Rangers.

Watch highlights as Rangers lose 2-0 against in-form Hibs in the Scottish Premiership.

Available in the UK only

We asked for your views on Hibs' 2-0 win against Rangers.

Here's what some of you said:

Maureen: What has happened to Rocky Bushiri? Has he been possessed by the spirit of Paolo Maldini? He's an absolute titan in the Hibs defence now. He neutralised Cyriel Dessers and imposed himself on the game, as he has so often this season. It gives us the base to attack teams with confidence. Loving it.

Darren: If you told me at the start of the season that in David Gray's first season as permanent manager, he would finish third, beat both Old Firm and win two Edinburgh derbies I would say you were mad. I would have been delighted for any of those but to have nearly all three? It's uncanny. If Hibs stay third Gray would be up for manager of the season for me. I believe a well accomplished manager like Brendan Rogers wouldn't mind losing it to Gray after the complete turnaround.

Alan: Great result for Gray and the team and the remarkable turnaround continues. This confident Hibs side is a world away from the team at the start of the season - secure at the back and scoring goals. Race for third spot is going to be tight but this Hibs team should challenge confidently for this spot.

Chris: It's a strange feeling going to Ibrox confident of winning, long may it continue! It starts with extending Gray and Martin Boyle, and probably letting Joe Newell go - don't need an injured captain coming back into the team to disrupt a working system.

David: Hibs controlled most of the game. It was a professional and complete performance. The back three dealt with all that was thrown at them, great composure in midfield and the attack made a nuisance of themselves. A simply incredible turnaround since the end of November and we just need to keep this run going for another month or so. Gray must be up there for manager of the year.

Sandy: Solid defensive performance and speed on the break by the gazelle like Martin Boyle, plus a classy midfield provided by Dylan Levitt and Nectar Triantis made for a 2-0 result over misfiring Rangers. Impeccable coaching by Gray and his team have this Hibs squad delighting us fans. Onwards and upwards.

Image source, SNS

• Hibernian are undefeated in their last 16 games in the Premiership, their longest unbeaten streak in the competition (since at least 2013-14).

• Cyriel Dessers attempted four shots in this game, more than any other player.

• Martin Boyle has contributed to goals in his last four games in the Premiership.

• Vaclav Cerny attempted nine crosses in this game, more than any other player.

Hibs fans, were you at Ibrox to see your side's win against Rangers or were you following along from home?

Either way, we want your thoughts on the result and the performance.

Have your say on the game.

Image source, SNS

Hibernian head coach David Gray tells BBC Scotland: "It's huge. 2018 was the last time a Hibs team came here and won. The way we started the game was huge, the composure we showed and getting the goal.

"You put a game plan in place knowing Rangers are going to have a lot of the ball, so you have to be really disciplined without the ball. Every time there was a slight mistake, a teammate was there to bail them out. A massive collective performance - the subs came on and impacted the game.

"It's an incredible run and the players deserve all the credit for it. The big thing was trusting what we were doing. Not being too high when it's good and not being too low when it wasn't.

"I never stopped believing and it's been a huge collective effort from everyone involved.

"If we keep winning games, nobody can catch us and that's the mindset moving forwards."

Kheredine Idessane
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

Hibs' season goes from strength to strength. They have won 11 of the 16 matches in their unbeaten run and show no sign of slowing, having been bottom in November.

This is their first win at Ibrox since February 2018, when John McGinn and Jamie Maclaren were on the scoresheet.

They were solid at the back, with Rocky Bushiri particularly impressive in the way he subdued Cyriel Dessers, and they also excelled in midfield, with Nectarios Triantis a model of composure and quality, ably assisted by Dylan Levitt, who got the ball rolling.

Hibs were a constant threat on the break, sitting in a solid defensive shape before utilising their strength and pace up top to hurt Rangers time and time again.

It is a result and performance which will give David Gray every confidence his side can maintain third spot and give European football a good crack next season.

Hibernian midfielder Joe Newell, 32, may not play again this season. (Scotsman - subscription required), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

Image source, SNS

Rangers winger Vaclav Cerny is unlikely to be risked as he looks to recover from a hamstring problem. The Ibrox side are still without Neraysho Kasanwirjo (knee).

Hibs could have Nicky Cadden back but captain Joe Newell (pelvis) has suffered a setback.

Andy Campbell
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

The last time Rangers and Hibernian met, they drew 3-3. Since then, both have been involved in goal-laden games, which whets the appetite for this encounter.

Hibs are front-runners to finish third - quite the turnaround since November when they were bottom.

Only Celtic - in the league and Scottish Cup - have beaten them in the interim as David Gray's side have amassed 10 league wins and five draws.

They are also scoring goals for fun - 48 in the Premiership.

Rangers, on the other hand, are leaking goals. They've conceded 12 under interim head coach Barry Ferguson, who bemoaned "old habits" after the win at Dundee.

The former Ibrox captain is yet to enjoy an Ibrox victory since replacing Philippe Clement, but did celebrate a penalty shootout triumph over Fenerbahce in the Europa League.

The table is set, the ingredients are in place, it's over to Rangers and Hibs to serve up another football feast.

Read all the weekend Premiership picks

Image source, SNS

David Gray his urged Hibs to continue "changing history" by earning their first win at Ibrox in seven years.

The Easter Road men, having risen from bottom of the table to third place with an incredible upturn, are aiming to make it 16 league games unbeaten when they visit Barry Ferguson's side.

And Gray says victory at Ibrox would rank "right up there, right at the very top" of his achievements as head coach.

"It's a really tough game away to Rangers but it's one the players need to relish," he added.

"It's been a long time since a Hibs team has won there in the league, I think it was 2018, so that's the challenge for the players to go and do that.

"It's something [the unbeaten run] we're taking great pride in.

"Just changing history in a positive way is something I talk a lot about and I think it's something we've demonstrated a lot this season. It's something we can do again at the weekend."

Across all competitions, Rangers have lost four home games in a row for the first time in their history.

"The pressure will be on Rangers as well," Gray added.

"We can't go into the game in any better frame of mind, the players have been there already this season and we put in a good performance but didn't get the result [1-0 defeat in September], we've progressed as a team since then."

Charlotte Cohen
BBC Sport Scotland

Image source, SNS

Hibs boss David Gray has been speaking to the media as his side prepare to race Rangers at Ibrox on Saturday.

Here are the main points:

• On his third manager of the month award this season, Gray is pleased with the recognition but stresses it's a reflection of the effort the players and staff have put in and shows they're all "pulling in the same direction".

• Nicky Cadden has trained and could be in contention to play but Hibs will wait and see how he recovers from the work this week.

• Hibs are "taking great pride in" their 15-match unbeaten Premiership run but know they face a "really tough game" against Rangers.

• However, Gray insists his side "couldn't be in a better frame of mind" heading into Saturday's clash and notes the progress Hibs have made since the 1-0 defeat at Ibrox in September.

• Gray says Hibs are "desperate to keep the [unbeaten] run going" and adds every one of his players will "have to be at the top of their game" in order to get a positive result.

• On potential league reconstruction, Gray wouldn't be against change as long as it's "for a positive reason". He is not in favour of a smaller top flight and is keen to "protect what we've got because it's a very good product".

Image source, SNS

Hibs boss David Gray has completed a Scottish Premiership manager of the month hat-trick by winning the award for March.

Gray takes the prize for the second successive month having also won it in December.

The 36-year-old steered Hibs to a 2-1 derby win over Hearts and 3-0 victory against St Johnstone either side of a 1-1 draw at Kilmarnock in March to extend his side's unbeaten league run to 15 games and lift them to third place.

"I'm delighted - this award is a reflection of the run we've been on and all the effort that has gone into that," Gray told Sky Sports News.

"We've been through difficult times at the start of the season, but the staff, the players and everyone at the club has gone through real adversity and stuck together through that.

"When you think back to the start of December when we were bottom of the league, to get to where we are now is a fantastic achievement and we need to keep pushing forward."

Image source, SNS

• Rangers are unbeaten in their last 24 league meetings with Hibs (W17 D7) since a 2-1 defeat in February 2018 under Graeme Murty.

• Hibs have lost their past 11 league visits to Rangers by an aggregate score of 27-7 since a 1-1 draw in December 2018 under Neil Lennon.

• Rangers have lost their past four home games in all competitions – the longest losing run at home in the club's history.

• Hibs are unbeaten in their past 15 league games (W10 D5), the longest unbeaten run within a single season in the Scottish top fight in the 21st century by any side other than the Old Firm clubs. Hibs started the day of the first game in this run (14 Dec) bottom of the table, but now find themselves third.

• Rangers have conceded 2+ goals in each of their past five league games (11 conceded in total); in their entire history, only from December 1893 to April 1894 have they ever conceded twice or more in six successive league fixtures.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

Image source, SNS

For Hibernian fans, the gloriously chaotic 3-3 draw with Aberdeen in late November was the moment their faith in the team they love was restored.

But, even throughout a pulsating game, their patience and resolve was tested to its maximum.

The last six minutes will live with me and everyone who was inside the stadium for a long time.

Pressure had been mounting on Gray after a series of costly late concessions, but then the most unlikely of heroes emerged.

Rocky Bushiri had never really won over the Hibs support. He made mistakes and opponents targeted him.

In his previous 78 games, he had never scored. But he did that night and it was the moment that changed a season.

The goal probably kept Gray in a job, given defeat would have left them languishing at the bottom of the table.

However, since then, only Celtic have been able to get the better of Gray and his team and a third-place finish is now a distinct possibility.

Read more on the six-goal epic that changed two teams' seasons

Hibernian head coach David Gray would be open to Bournemouth goalkeeper Alex Paulsen, the 22-year-old currently on loan to Auckland, joining on loan next season as part of the Black Knight FC network. (Scottish Sun), external

Hibs head coach David Gray has targeted a new goalkeeper as a position he would like to strengthen this summer. (Edinburgh Evening News), external

Read Thursday's Scottish Gossip in full.

Brian McLauchlin
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

The victory against St Johnstone was as comfortable a three points as Hibs have earned this season.

It's also another indication of just how progressive the club have been over the past few months, with confidence oozing from the players and no fear or doubts in how they play.

The win secured the top-six place that in the early part of the campaign looked unachievable given the wretched start. The players gave themselves a mountain to climb and should be proud of what they have achieved since mid-November.

The prize now is finishing off the campaign in similar style and securing a lucrative European spot.

With stability in the management and behind the scenes, everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Next up is a trip to Ibrox where it's difficult to know exactly what Rangers will turn up. Under Barry Ferguson the Ibrox side have shown a fragility in defence that Hibs will look to exploit.

But in other games, especially in Europe, Rangers have produced some incredible performances that few would have thought possible with their squad.

However, a key aspect is that Hibs now enter these games with a confidence and belief they can triumph. Since the end of November, only Celtic have beaten David Gray's side. That's just two defeats in 21 outings. And in the league, they are unbeaten in 15.

So can Hibs maintain their impressive momentum with a first victory at Ibrox in seven years?

Image source, SNS

Is the Scottish Premiership in need of a shake-up? If so, how do you go about it?

News emerged on Tuesday that the SPFL is considering changing Scotland's top flight to a 10, 14 or 16-team division in an attempt to help reduce fixture congestion.

In its current 12-team form, the clubs split into a top and bottom six after 33 rounds of matches, with 38 rounds played altogether.

That format has been in place since 2000-01 and retaining that model is also an option, but reports have also suggested the split could be scrapped.

For any fresh structure to pass, it needs the backing of 11 of the 12 Premiership clubs, and eight out of 10 from the Championship plus 75% of League One and League Two combined.

And judging by the fan reaction to the mere thought of reducing the league to a 10-team division, you would have to assume that idea is already unlikely.

Speaking on the BBC's Scottish Football Podcast, former Premiership players Cammy Bell and Cillian Sheridan provided their views on a potential restructure.

Expansion is the only option for former Rangers and Kilmarnock goalkeeper Bell, while ex-Celtic striker Sheridan would like to see the split retained.

"I think we need a little bit of freshness about our game," Bell said. "So, if we can expand that league, then absolutely do it. We've got big enough clubs now that can generate good crowds.

"We're at a time just now where we've got the potential of trying to change it and certainly for me it's got to be expansion."

"The split works now," Sheridan added. "When I first came over and saw the whole split thing, I just never really got it. But in the past few years it has been quite interesting.

"If the league is wrapped up, if relegation is wrapped up, it does add a little bit of excitement to things in terms of teams getting into the top six and having to get European football."

Matty Fairnie
Fan writer

Moments before Keiron Bowie sealed Hibs' win over St Johnstone on Saturday, three of the Easter Road stands serenaded Rocky Bushiri.

It was done partly in the hope he'd be handed the ball to take the penalty that had just been awarded, and partly to recognise his storming foray forward that had set up the opportunity for the spot-kick to be given in the first place.

Rocky is in the final few months of his contract and the imposing centre-half must be loving life at the moment.

He has been an integral part of Hibs' revival this season and the love from the stands on Saturday was a far cry from the taunts of the Hearts support back on Boxing Day following his unfortunate own goal in the Edinburgh derby.

Rocky, of course, had the last laugh that day and he's barely stopped laughing since. "He's got a mistake in him" is a statement often thrown out when Bushiri's name is mentioned, but that's a lazy observation these days – those mistakes are few and far between and while he will still make them, that goes for any footballer at any level.

The 25-year-old has not always been this popular with the support. His signing was clumsily announced by Hibs shortly after the club had announced his exit following the completion of an initial loan spell, and the rumours (incorrect as they may be) were that he'd been signed by accident.

He's been scapegoated and made a figure of fun by commentators and pundits who really should know better, so it's a huge credit to Rocky that he has come through such adversity to prove himself a key player in a squad sitting clear in third place.

I hope Hibs can keep him. No doubt Rocky will have many suitors and he'll have his own ambitions but if he does leave, he will go having won round a Hibs support who have taken a real shine to him.

Matty Fairnie can be found at Longbangers, external