David Gray has made it abundantly clear that his sole focus is on securing a victory against Celtic this Sunday, despite a faction of Hibernian supporters potentially wishing for a defeat to hinder their city rivals Hearts in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Title Race Tensions
Last weekend's loss to Hearts at Easter Road not only dealt a blow to Hibs' aspirations of finishing fourth but also shortened the odds on the Jambos clinching their first league championship since 1960. Hearts currently sit three points behind league leaders Celtic, with only four matches remaining. Gray acknowledges that the knife-edge scenario has led some fans to consider sacrificing three points on Sunday if it helps Celtic pip Hearts to the title.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Gray stated: 'I understand why you ask the question because of the title race that's going on. But my full focus is on Hibernian Football Club, this group of players, and making sure we get as many points as we can. My job is to try and win as many games as we can and develop players. We'll approach this game like every other, with a game plan to ensure we do everything possible to win.'
Professional Mindset
Gray added that the scenario is not awkward for him: 'It's really not awkward for me. I think it's very self-explanatory. We're professional; we do everything we possibly can to win games. I understand the noise. I grew up in the city, I know the noise that goes around it. But the first weekend of fixtures post-split showed that results can change very quickly. I still believe there's enough games to go that gives us a chance to finish fourth. So, we need to do everything we can between now and then. There will be twists and turns, that's for sure.'
Hibs are preparing for a formidable challenge against Martin O'Neill's Celtic, who arrive in Edinburgh on the back of four consecutive wins across all competitions. However, Hibs have fond memories of their February victory at Parkhead, and midfielder Joe Newell echoed Gray's determination: 'We're a group of professional athletes. We fight with each other over five-a-sides in training, so if you think we're going to lie down in front of thousands of people, in front of the Sky cameras, you're wrong. We'll be doing our utmost to win the game of football, it's as simple as that.'
European Ambitions
With Motherwell's surprise win at Ibrox last Sunday, Hibs now trail Jens Berthel Askou's side by six points in the battle for fourth place and guaranteed European football. Gray acknowledged the difficulty: 'We are in a position that we're relying on Motherwell dropping points. I know we play them again, but the points difference makes it difficult. It will be tough, but while there's still a chance, all you can do is take care of yourself, and that has been the message.'
Hibs' cause against Hearts was not helped by the dismissals of goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger and defender Felix Passlack. However, replacement keeper Jordan Smith impressed after coming on, and Gray has full confidence in him for Sunday: 'He was incredible when he came on, as were the nine players that remained on the pitch. He does things properly every day. Obviously, he'll play at the weekend, and we've got no concerns over that at all.'
