Hibernian head coach David Gray didn't mince words as he addressed the media ahead of Sunday's blockbuster clash with Celtic, following a derby defeat that left the squad reeling. Last weekend's 2-1 loss to Hearts was described as "really difficult" by Gray, but he's already shifting focus: "My job is to make sure I lift the players as quick as I can." No finger-pointing in the locker room after a chaotic match that saw goalkeeper Raphael Sallinger and defender Felix Passlack sent off—it's all about bouncing back.

The stakes couldn't be higher. Fourth place—and a guaranteed spot in European football—is still within reach, but Gray admits the path has narrowed. "We are relying on other results," he said, after Motherwell's surprise win over Rangers opened a six-point gap with just four games left. Still, there's a glimmer of hope. Gray reminded his squad they can "take confidence" from their 2-1 victory at Celtic Park back in February, though he quickly added that win doesn't make this weekend's task "any easier."

With the season winding down, Gray is bracing for more "twists and turns." His message is clear: "All we can do is keep our own house in order and make sure we get the maximum out of the group that we can." That means going "full pelt" into the final four games, no matter the noise. And there's plenty of that—a Hibs win on Sunday would actually help Hearts' title charge, a fact not lost on the Edinburgh faithful. "I grew up in the city, I know exactly what it's like," Gray acknowledged, but he insists the team must "do everything we possibly can" to chase fourth.

On the injury front, Josh Mulligan has trained all week but remains a doubt, while Munashe Garanaga is expected back before the season ends. Both Sallinger and Passlack are suspended after their red cards, leaving Gray to reshuffle his lineup. As the pressure mounts, one thing is certain: Hibs are fighting for every point, and this Sunday's showdown is a must-watch.