Every word from David Gray on injuries, and Celtic challenge.

Hibernian’s head coach, David Grey, spoke with the media on Thursday to preview the Scottish Premiership trip to face Celtic on Sunday.

With so many new players arriving in January and so much churn in the team, how impressed are you with how quickly this bunch has regrouped? “Yes, I’m really pleased.

I’ve actually mentioned it several times. It’s a testimony to the core of the guys here and the vital job they play, lead by Joe Newell, who has perhaps not played as many minutes as he would want because he’s trying to get back in shape, but plays a significant part every day in the building.

Another outstanding illustration of such is Warren O’Hora. “It can be difficult coming into a new environment, a new way of working, and a new culture so, all in all, delighted with it.”

I realise I’ve only highlighted two players there, but there is a core group of boys who really help players settle, especially younger ones as well. Some of them are out on loan, and younger players who want to come in and hit the ground running are the ones who want to do that.

Are you optimistic about the group’s prospects and capabilities? You are constantly striving to better and progress.

“Some of them joined the team right away and had to hit the ground running; they had no choice. However, seeing the influence that players have had is really significant.

“We also had a number of key players injured, including a number of starting players who have played a lot of minutes this season and are experienced. Everyone needs to step up, which can only be a positive thing.

“This week has been particularly enjoyable. I discussed the importance of having a full week to work with the players because they are still adjusting to how we want to play, and even within the games, there are improvements to come when we look at certain things that are happening.”

Celtic’s late goals have had everyone’s attention, but how big of a problem is this? “It will be a huge challenge, as it always is.

History teaches you this as well. It’s been a while since a Hibs team went there and won. “They’ll be very organised and have that mentality to go right to the end, as we’ve seen in recent weeks.

They’ve also signed some new players, so they’re going through that period of trying to get players minutes and up to speed.”Obviously, they have their game tonight to contend with before moving on to us.

“We’ll be watching that and ensuring that we’re going into the game in the best possible frame of mind off the back of a real positive result and performance.

It’s been another week on the grass for the players, and a couple came back as well, so the group’s getting healthier.” Joe Newell was back on the grass today.

They’re all headed in the right direction, and another couple may join by the end of next week. Grant Hanley and Chris Cadden are also not too far away.

Is playing all the way to the last whistle the main message to get across to the team this week? “I believe it has been.

It’s something we discuss frequently. The Hearts game and Celtic F.C.’s last-minute win against Kilmarnock demonstrate the importance of staying on top of your game till the end.

You must have the belief and confidence to get there and achieve outcomes. If you don’t have that before you board the bus, you’ll be wasting your time.

“The message for us this week is to ensure that we have the appropriate mindset and attitude going into the game, with the belief and desire to influence history in a positive way. And why can’t this squad be the one to achieve it?”

Is Joe Newell ready to play?

“He trained today. We’ll see whether he gets through that. We’re only on Thursday, so we still have several days with Joe. “When you think about it, he hasn’t been out very long.

To be fair, he just got a little over-stretched before the United game after playing his first significant minutes in a while. “So that was a bit of a setback for him personally. But he’s feeling good today and reporting well, so we’ll see if he follows through.

“Gara trained. He has also trained this week, which is a great plus. I know the last game was a nail-biter, but the St Mirren game came far too quickly.

“So he’s been training all week.”Part-trained at first, but there are no constraints by the end of the week, which is really positive. “Chris Cadden may be back on the grass by then.

He’s back on the grass, but he’ll only be somewhat trained by game day.”You wouldn’t expect him to play at this level, but it’s nice to have him back as well.

“And then even boys who had been out and returned to the squad, like Josh Campbell, you’ll have seen significant minutes from Jamie McGrath and Nicky Cadden, boys who have had knocks and bumps.”

So Warren O’Hora made it through the game. “So, as I say, we are going in the right direction, which is really pleasing.”

You’ve been forced to drop and change your team due to short-term injuries on occasion.How disruptive has this been? “You can’t pick the same team two, three weeks in a row, two, three games in a row.” “It’s just the circumstances. You only worry about things you can’t control. “If you can’t affect it because someone gets hurt, that’s simply how things are.

“But the most important thing is to make sure that everyone is ready to go when their turn comes, and that they are willing to stand up and do it. And I believe that is what has been most pleasant.

So we’ve cut and changed, had to make substitutions and modifications due to injury or illness. We’ve experienced some illness in the last several weeks.

“But it’s a compliment to the players who have come in and stepped up. Even when you watch how substitutes come in and effect games. “Ante is an excellent example of that.

Someone who hasn’t been in the building long but is coming on and scoring goals, which is precisely what he should be doing. “And little Owen makes his first start, comes on, and scores. So I think the fact that you have competition is a good thing.

“It’s great. Sometimes you would choose the same side if you believe it is the proper thing to do. But, in my opinion, the most important thing is to choose a team that you believe would give you the best chance of winning the game.

“One thing I’ve stated, and I still feel the same way after working with the players for a longer period of time this week, is that we have a lot of strong choices that do different things, so there isn’t just one way to play.

“I think you look at guys that can accomplish a variety of things and then consider their experience.

“So, we have got real flexibility and adaptability, whether we go with a front two or front three, we’ve got options to try and find a game plan that we think gives us the best chance.” Celtic are scoring late winners, but they are also surrendering.

Do you take that as encouragement and say, “Look, this is a team that can be reached out to?” “No, I think you should look at yourself. I believe our team has the potential to be quite dangerous.

“When you look at our strengths, I believe we’re much more similar to ourselves against St Mirren in terms of getting into really hazardous situations.

“I thought we did that, especially with Nicky moving into much higher positions and putting a lot of crosses in the box. So, I believe we can be a very dangerous team if we play to our strengths. “The Celtics are a really good team.

There is a reason why they are in the league. “Obviously, the manager’s experience and the size of the football club are all difficulties that must be addressed. But, as I’ve already stated, you must have the confidence, belief, and drive to go for it.

“You can’t just go there and expect a result.You have to sincerely believe it. “That begins with the first minute and continues until the finish of the game, no matter how lengthy it is.

They’re fantastic games to look forward to if you can go and test yourself against the top teams.” You mentioned Nicky Cadden there.

Felix is on the other side, and he appears to want to play center forward at times… Do you have to grab him at times to bring him back?

“Again, it really depends on what we’re trying to do. The St Mirren game was certainly a good example of how frequently it switched from wing-back to wing-back.

“Depending on how we want to play behind the ball, there are options to do so. As long as you’re fit enough to return, as he clearly is, that’s a major deal.”Those are the modern-day wingbacks.

They must be able to be in the picture at one end, attacking, and then, if the opposing team counters swiftly, I anticipate seeing them in the picture again, protecting the back post.

That is merely the modern-day player. Midfielders are exactly the same.

“I believe Felix has brought his experience. You have seen that. “He was thrown in right away and handled it quite well, both physically and mentally.

He trains adequately every day. It had been flagged to us, and we were aware of it. “He’s another one who has been a great addition to my team, even from a cultural standpoint.

He’s played at a high level and has made a significant contribution to the group, which is extremely good for us.”

You must be happy with how the new recruits have adjusted… “You can’t put all of the expectation on players right away and expect them to score every time they step on the pitch.

It ensures that you manage it as well.”That is my duty, and I must ensure that the players have the confidence and belief to go out and express themselves. I believe we are only now seeing and reaping the benefits of this.”

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