'Beating County is vital if Hibs are to salvage the season'

Matty Fairnie, Longbangers podcast, external

The pre-match talk outside Easter Road on Saturday centred on Nick Montgomery’s team selection and his decision to stick to his trusted 4-4-2. Much had been said about the formation in the run-up to the game, much to Montgomery’s ire.

Rocky Bushiri and Jair Tavares came into the starting line-up at the expense of Paul Hanlon and Adam Le Fondre. These changes meant Martin Boyle moved into the middle alongside Dylan Vente, and despite some criticism aimed at Montgomery for selecting a side that was too attacking for the fixture following last week’s defeat to Rangers, he again started with four attack-minded players.

However, it was Hibs’ defensive performance against the champions that was most notable. For all Hibs deserved the flak last week for some abject defending, they deserve every bit of praise coming their way for nullifying the league’s most potent forward line.

Hibs truly defended from the front. From Vente stopping Callum McGregor getting a grip on the game to Tavares and Elie Youan protecting the excellent full-backs to stop the supply to Kyogo Furuhashi, Hibs were excellent.

In particular, Lewis Miller and Jordan Obita shone. Miller was given the player of the match award, while Obita would have been just as worthy a winner. Between them, they completely blunted Celtic’s threat in the wide area.

The clean sheet was welcome – Hibs had the worst defensive record in the league going into the game – and Montgomery will now be able to point to this match as the benchmark for the effort required from his players to allow them to climb the table.

Ross County are up next and a win is critical if Hibs are to salvage a season that has so far failed to live up to expectations, Saturday’s result aside.

Montgomery’s belief in his system paid dividends on Saturday and that will give everyone confidence that it can work going forward.