Beautiful weather in the capital today. Sunny, warm and barely a whisper of wind. Hibs have been boosted by the addition of ex-players Ivan Sproule and Garry O'Conner but are seriously lacking in numbers up front with Akpo Sodje their only other recognised first team forward and he's out injured. There's also the uncertainty of whether their manager will be with them much longer. What effect will that have on the players? We will be missing the combatatative Scott Brown from the midfield due to suspension but new signing Wayanama is expected to slot into the centre of the engine room. Apart from that we have more or less a full compliment of first team players available for selection. It's going to be a tough opening game but I'm tipping the Bhoys to come through it and win 3-1.
I'm a little worried about the goalkeeper situation. They say confidence plays a large part of a goalie's game so what must Zaluska's mind be like with all the speculation about who is going to, ultimately, replace him? In a weird sort of way I hope O'Connor plays well enough to test him today---so long as we win mind.
Can't see them scoring due to their lack of firepower. Think we will be comfortable although I have been bitten too many times. Just glad the footballs back and anxious we take advantage of Gers dropping points. Obviously it's only the first game but a point is worth as much now as it is at the end of the season. Dropping silly points cost us last year. Pressure from start to finish. C'mon the Celts.
Team for today: Zaluska; M. Wilson, Loovens, K. Wilson, Izaguirre; Commons, Ki, Kayal, Ledley; Hooper, Stokes Competitive debut for Kelvin Wilson. Glad to see Hooper and Stokes starting.
Not a great performance but tidy enough... Ki played well and the two Wilsons looked good at the back. Zalusak did ok (concentration wise) with not much to do... Iggy not fit Loovens still ****e
Better 2nd half performance. Knew Hibs would tire after all the chasing they did in the first half. Forrest looked sharp when he came on. Samaras Was he wearing slippers?
