Hibs manager Jack Ross reveals goalkeeper plan for Sunday's trip to face champions Rangers

Jack Ross is set to recall Ofir Marciano for this weekend’s trip to face champions Rangers at Ibrox despite stand-in goalkeeper Matt Macey’s impressive performance in Hibs’ Scottish Cup victory over Queen of the South.

Matt Macey replaced Ofir Marciano in goals for Hibs against Queen of the South on Monday (Photo by Craig Williamson / SNS Group)

The Hibs manager insists Marciano has credit in the bank after a solid season and despite the goalkeeper recently confirming he will leave when his contract expires this summer. Marciano will return to the side for the crucial clash at Ibrox as Hibs look to consolidate third place in the league.

Ross has already revealed he wants to secure short-term signing Macey on a longer contract. The former Arsenal ‘keeper earned praise for his performance in the 3-1 win at Palmerston Park on Monday night after stepping in for Marciano, who was rested after playing three games for Israel in seven days, the last of which was in Moldova last Wednesday.

Although Macey was beaten by an excellent solo goal from James Maxwell late on, the 26-year-old made an important stop from Connor Shields to prevent Queens drawing level in the second half.

“He did not have a lot to do but that moment was a big moment,” said Ross. “You see that through the top teams – if you look at the team who are champions this year, their goalkeeper makes big saves at big times and that is what Matt did.

“He has done that full stop since he came in,” added Ross. “He came in at Parkhead and played the following week against Kilmarnock and in fairness he probably had a good case to stay in. But the credit Ofir has in the bank this season means he is the No 1 – or at least has that jersey.

“But Matt trains brilliantly and is somebody I am keen to keep at the club because obviously Ofir is moving on. We have seen again from Matt why he is someone we want to keep in the squad for next season. (But) Ofir’s form this season, in terms of the number of clean sheets we’ve kept, has been good. Matt knows that. Ofir was absent because of the travelling.”

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