Goalkeeper situation, intriguing formation and Daryl Horgan - Three things we learned from Hibs' 3-1 defeat at Celtic Park

Analysis from Hibs’ defeat at Parkhead as Jack Ross’ men had a positive first half

Hibs’ final friendly ahead of the new season saw the team go down 3-1 to Celtic at Parkhead despite taking a first-half lead through Josh Doig.

A good showing in the opening 45 minutes from a relatively young side was followed by a more trying outing after the break.

Friendlies and the performances in them always have to be taken with a pinch of salt but what did we discover ahead of Hibs’ Premiership opener at home to Kilmarnock on Saturday.

Hibs players celebrate after Josh Doig put the team ahead against Celtic. Picture: SNS

Goalkeeper isn’t a priority

With Adam Bogdan departing this summer, following the exit of Chris Maxwell in January, a new goalkeeper to challenge Ofir Marciano may well have been on the shortlist of a few Hibs fans. Taking Monday afternoon's friendly at Parkhead into consideration it would be advisable to take a pen and put a line through the goalkeeper suggestion.

Kevin Dabrowski’s performance showed that the club have a young stopper who is more than capable of pushing Marciano.

The 22-year-old is yet to play competitively for the Easter Road club but did enjoy first-team experience on loan at Cowdenbeath where he made a strong impression before injury thwarted his progress after just 17 appearances.

At Celtic Park, Dabrowski’s skillset was on display. There were the reflexes and shot-stopping ability in each half to save a Euan Henderson close-range header and long-range Oliver Ntcham shot. He made use of his feet to prevent Leigh Griffiths from sneaking a shot in at his front post. Under pressure from Patryk Klimala, he had the composure to turn away from the Celtic striker to create space to play out. Most impressively was his reading of the game to come off his line quickly and confidently, whether it was sweeping up behind the defence or to make himself a daunting presence when denying a striker running through.

There was a lot to be positive about from his performance, not least knowing the club have an able deputy for Marciano.

Formation

Looking at the players Jack Ross had selected before the match kicked off, it seemed the team would be lining up in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system. Within seconds of the game starting it was clear that wasn’t the case with Ben Stirling operating as a right wing-back and David Gray a right-sided centre-back.

As the game progressed it was difficult to say with certainty what the formation was due to the positioning of Fraser Murray. Ten of the starting 11 had what you could call defined roles. Murray’s was key in the first half as Hibs went toe to toe with what was a much changed Celtic team.

Out of possession he would slot in beside Melker Hallberg and Stevie Mallan as part of a midfield three. In possession he would give the team vertical movement, motoring forward to act as the right-hand side of a front three alongside Daryl Horgan and Jamie Gullan.

It brought a fluidity to the team in the final third which was seen with the swift football played in the build-up to the opener.

On the flanks, Doig and Stirling stretched the game allowing Mallan to make switches of play and, at times, pin Celtic back.

As positive as the first half was, the second was disappointing as the team struggled to break out and have good possession higher up the pitch.

Central Horgan

Fresh from scoring in the draw with Aberdeen at the weekend, Daryl Horgan was handed a central role at Parkhead and shone with his movement, pace and vision.

The expected departure of Florian Kamberi would leave Hibs with two out-and-out strikers in Kevin Nisbet and Christian Doidge. In addition, there is Jamie Gullan and Martin Boyle if moved centrally. Horgan’s display has given Jack Ross more food for thought and an indication that the Irishman could be a useful option through the middle.

The 27-year-old was positive throughout the encounter, even when Hibs were struggling to get out their own half after the interval. Not only did he provide the assist for Josh Doig’s fine finish to put the visitors ahead, but the application was there to make runs in behind, put pressure on opponents and provide the side with a focal point.

Horgan should have netted to make it 2-2, breaking free just after Celtic had gone in front. That was perhaps the only black mark on his performance.

Jamie Gullan was a peripheral figure, while Fraser Murray flitted between midfield and attack. Horgan was the one constant, happy to show to link play or play on the shoulder and stretch the Celtic defence.

His confidence to always look forward was clear with arguably his best bit of play arriving when he set up Doig for a second chance. Receiving the ball in a central area, 25 yards out, he had Celtic players closing him down, without appearing to look he slid a pass out left where Doig emerged. It was fantastic vision and play.

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