Hibs legend on why Celtic may have an added incentive on Sunday and that a European hangover shouldn't be expected
Celtic host Hibs this weekend on the back of their Europa League drubbing at the hands of Stuttgart.
Hibs Women hero Joelle Murray believes Celtic will play The Hibees with a point to prove in this weekend’s Scottish Premiership clash.
The Hoops lost 4-1 against Stuttgart in the Europa League on Thursday night in a match that was chaotic both on the pitch and in the stands. Hibs defended valiantly to earn a point last time they headed to Celtic Park in September’s goalless draw. A similar result on Sunday would be catastrophic for Martin O’Neill’s men in terms of the title race.
Hibs will go into the match full of confidence after their assured 2-0 victory over St Mirren last weekend although the East End of Glasgow hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for them in recent years, having not beaten Celtic there for 16 years. While two games in quick succession for Celtic could give Hibs an advantage, Murray believes the nature of their heavy midweek defeat could spur them on to bounce back and isn’t expecting a European hangover due to previous results.
Celtic will be ‘good to go’ for Hibs clash
Speaking on BBC Sounds’ Scottish Football Podcast alongside Cammy Kerr, Murray said: “I think it's certainly a vital period for Celtic and I guess it's one of those when you're in these competitions, with the games coming thick and fast, it's the consequences of being the best team and being the best team for so long.
“So I think last night was certainly a devastating result but I also think Celtic have the quality within the squad to ensure that come Sunday they'll be fresh and good to go for Hibs. I think Hibs in particular have been a team that have played Celtic on the back of these European midweek games quite frequently and you almost expect a little bit of a dip in Celtic's performances with perhaps a little bit of fatigue.
“But they surprise you all the time because, the turnaround in such a short period of time and the quality that they then produce at the weekend is really, really impressive. So no doubt Celtic will arrive on Sunday on the back of a devastating poor performance and result in midweek, but they'll be good to go on Sunday for the welcome of Hibs.”
Hibs January additions looking sharp
Murray went on to praise Hibs for their performance against St Mirren at Easter Road, giving a special mention to some of the new boys who’ve helped overcome an injury crisis. She continued: “I think obviously the last game against St Mirren was a good result and a really good performance, a really professional performance.
“I think the business that the club done in the January window, bringing in the more attacking, creative players in (Dane) Scarlett, (Owen) Elding and Ante Suto, to complement what's already there, so that’s been three really good bits of business.
“They had a few injuries, especially at the back in particular with Grant Hanley, who's a big miss and Warren O'Hora, who's just come back, but I think the squad is becoming a lot more healthier now. Couple that with the additions in January and I think they will go on, hopefully, a really good run.”