Hibernian boss David Gray insists the noise surrounding Celtic’s managerial change will have no bearing on tonight’s clash with Rangers.
The Hibs manager stressing his side are focused solely on taking on a new-look Ibrox team who have shown positive early signs under their new head coach.
Gray, speaking ahead of the Easter Road meeting, admitted he only woke up to the news of Brendan Rodgers’ shock departure, but was quick to underline that none of the Old Firm upheaval alters Hibs approach or expectations.
“Nothing really surprises you in football anymore,” Gray said.
“There’s been a lot of noise around the Old Firm and Scottish football recently, but it doesn’t affect us.
“My full focus is Rangers.”
While the wider narrative has suggested the managerial changes at both Celtic and Rangers could open a window for clubs like Hibs or table topping Hearts to close the gap, Gray was adamant his job is focused on the Hibees, and he is not comparing his team to other sides.
He said: “You can only look at yourselves and we know what we're trying to do as a group and that doesn’t change regardless of what’s happening elsewhere.
“It’s far too early to talk about opportunities or gaps closing, we haven’t even completed a full round of fixtures yet.”
Rangers arrive in Leith with some small momentum, having taken three points their first domestic match under Danny Rohl against Kilmarnock, while also adjusting between different systems across both the new bosses matches.
That unpredictability, Gray admits, makes preparation slightly more complex, but he remains adamant the key lies in Hibs improving their own performance from the last time the sides met, when Rangers eliminated them from the Scottish League Cup, 2-0 at Ibrox.
“You’ve obviously not got a lot of footage to go off with a new manager,” Gray explained.
“He’s changed shape twice already. But whatever system they play, Rangers are a good side with good players.
“The focus is on our performance. The last time we didn’t get anywhere near the level we can be."
Hibs know they will need to be sharper, more aggressive and more clinical than their last outing against Rangers and Gray was clear the challenge is not just to compete, but to take the game to the visitors.
“We’ve worked on our game plan to try and win the game,” he said.
“We’re at home, under the lights, and it’s one we’re really looking forward to.”
With Easter Road traditionally one of the trickier away days for Rangers, the Ibrox side will be well aware that tonight is no formality, especially with Hibs unbeaten at home in the Scottish Premiership since November 9, 2025.
Gray knows it too, but the message inside Hibs is unwavering: respect Rangers, but don’t fear them. For Rangers and Rohl it is about taking another step towards making that blue jersey terrifying for Scottish clubs once again.