Celtic manager Martin O'Neill described the 2-1 win at Easter Road as the team's best of the season, but the victory was overshadowed by Alistair Johnston breaking down just 20 minutes into his return from a hamstring problem.
The Hoops came from a goal down to secure three points in the capital, moving four points clear of Rangers at the top of the Premiership. Owen Elding gave the home side a shock lead, but Camilo Duran scored his 10th goal of the season after an own goal from Josh Kerr had levelled the match.
O'Neill hails battling win
O'Neill was pleased to bounce back from Europa League disappointment against Celta Vigo while also withstanding Storm Boelo and a late Hibs push. He said: "The performance wasn't that fantastic, the blustery conditions probably didn't help.
"We didn't play great, but to me, I thought it was our best win of the season, considering the circumstances.
"Coming here it doesn't matter where Hibs are placed in the league, it's always been difficult.
"The conditions didn't help either side.
"And then to come from a goal behind to win the game and get the block towards the end as well, to see the three points through, I thought it was our best one of the season, seriously."
Johnston faces scan wait
Johnston's latest setback tempered O'Neill's delight. The Canada full-back had returned after three months out, having also missed seven months last term, but was forced to limp off. He will now undergo scans, with O'Neill concerned the defender could face another long layoff.
He said: "So he felt something at the top of his hamstring. A wee bit higher than before, which might be encouraging, I don't know.
"We'll obviously have to wait to see scans and things which I assume he'll get either later tonight, perhaps maybe tomorrow, and we'll assess it.
"But yeah, he's obviously disappointed there. 15, 20 minutes, and you saw, even in that little period of time, you saw what he's capable of doing, both defensively and getting forward.
"It would be a big blow to him, big blow to the club, if it is a hamstring injury. He thinks it might be cramp, you never know. That's coming from him but I genuinely don't know.
"When you've had a couple of hamstring problems, I think that your concern is anything you might feel is a bit of a niggle.
"I don't know. He's not sure, neither is the doctor at this minute."
Cover options available
O'Neill acknowledged Johnston's ongoing problems are a concern but pointed to cover at right-back, with youngster Colby Donovan, Anthony Ralston and recent arrival Jordan Lotombo available for Wednesday's clash with Dundee United.
He said: "It is (a concern). He's a terrific footballer. We have missed him during that time. Colby (Donovan) has done exceptionally well, better than anybody could have anticipated, I must admit.
"But Johnson, for him, really disappointing, if that's the case, if you have to go and do rehab again, that's a worry.
"And for us, as a club, because we've been looking forward to him coming back now for the last couple of weeks.
"We'll see what happens. In fairness to Latombo, he hasn't had a proper chance yet to start a game.
"And the only time he has had a game was against Falkirk, but outside that there, he hasn't had much of an opportunity.
"Perhaps maybe that might occur.
"Tony's got a really big heart, really good. He wants to be ready all the time. He trains like a Trojan, in all honesty.
"And so, yeah, and I have no doubts that he can come back into the fold again."
