Doig learning curve, missing link, time for a change? - 3 talking points from Hibs' defeat at Celtic

Patrick McPartlin looks at three talking points from Hibs’ defeat in Glasgow

Josh Doig will only improve after stern tests against Rangers and Celtic

Learning curve for Doig

Josh Doig has impressed during his debut season for the Easter Road side but while he has looked comfortable against teams like Kilmarnock and Livingston, he has had sterner tests against the likes of Rangers and Celtic.

Moreso, some opposition teams have targeted the teen and have funnelled most of their attacks down Hibs' left side in a bid to put pressure on the youngster.

The vastly experienced Lewis Stevenson replaced the youngster early in the second half against the Gers and at half-time against Celtic as Jack Ross shook things up at the back and on both occasions, Hibs' defence did look more solid as a result.

But credit must go to the coaching staff for backing Doig and helping him develop by trusting him to face all opponents regardless of calibre. His confidence will have been boosted by his continued run in the first-team and that will be crucial in his development. Having the veteran Stevenson in reserve as well as the increased number of permitted subs means Hibs can continue to start Doig and further his development without affecting the wider game plan.

He should retain his place for the visit of Hamilton and find it easier-going - not because Accies aren't as threatening as Celtic and Rangers but because he will have grown as a player thanks to his two most recent outings.

On top of that, he has Stevenson to turn to for advice and the long-serving left-back will no doubt have plenty of wisdom to share.

Hibs miss Scott Allan

It's fair to say Scott Allan wasn't quite his influential self in the opening few games of the season but his recent omission from the matchday squad with an unspecified health issue may explain his below-par performances.

While Hibs have recorded victories without Allan in the side, the playmaker more often than not enjoys the big occasion and can sometimes make the difference. Some of the passing from the Easter Road side in the final third was poor and at times ended promising attacking moves and was really crying out for a player with Allan's technique and vision to help things flow in the midfield.

As it was, Celtic strolled the midfield battle and even when David Turnbull came on for Ryan Christie at the break, the hosts' intensity didn't falter.

There are wider issues over the players Jack Ross has at his disposal in the midfield but his side looks in desperate need of a figure, or figures, who can take these sorts of games by the scruff of the neck and help Hibs compete.

John McGinn was that man for Alan Stubbs and Neil Lennon, and Greg Docherty showed flashes of it in his brief loan spell in the second half of last season.

Currently there isn't an obvious replacement for either player and with the transfer deadline fast approaching, the recruitment team will surely step up their search for the missing midfield link, who could, and probably will, make a big difference to where the side finishes come May.

Time for a change?

Jack Ross kept faith in the same team that started against Rangers last weekend and few could criticise him for wanting to keep a winning team together. The Hibs rearguard has performed admirably so far after last season's trials and tribulations so it makes sense to keep the defensive unit unchanged if possible.

Earlier this week, Stephen McGinn discussed the importance of the trust that Jack Ross has in his players. He trusts his starting line-up to do a job, and he trusts his subs to do a job when they come on.

However, after the meek second-half performance at Celtic Park, could Ross change things up on Friday against Hamilton?

Jamie Murphy probably has a claim for a return to the starting line-up, while Melker Hallberg might also fancy his chances.

The old adage suggests it's unwise to change a winning team but the dilemma for the Hibs boss is assessing whether the same team that struggled to carve out an opening against Celtic would fare better against Accies.

With Brora Rangers visiting a week on Wednesday on Betfred Cup duty, that fixture could be one where the Hibs head coach finally rings the changes.

There are a number of strong players who have featured little or not at all so far and the cup clash could present the perfect opportunity to give those individuals a chance to stake a claim for a run in the first team - and give some of his first-team regulars a bit of a break.