Hibs frustrate Celtic to earn point as bond between fans and team grows stronger

Much of the pre-match chat had focused on the players missing for the hosts, and how the visitors would respond to their European exit.

In the end Hibs went toe-to-toe with Celtic although it was a little backs-to-the-wall in the latter stages.

Lewis Stevenson had spoken before the game about the importance of not losing an early goal, and Daizen Maeda had a shot blocked early on as the visitors looked to get an early foothold.

Liel Abada sent an effort wide after a quarter of an hour but Hibs looked far more comfortable at the back than during last month’s trip to Parkhead and didn’t give much away.

Drey Wright, restored to the starting line-up in the absence of Ewan Henderson, ineligible to face his parent club, epitomised the style of play that Shaun Maloney has been trying to implement on his squad – constantly pressing, hassling, harrying, and forward-thinking.

His performance was all the more impressive given the reaction to his substitute appearance against Ross County last weekend. For whatever reason, some sections of the Hibs support have never really taken to him but his showing for an hour against the league-leaders could, and should, have won over a few more fans.

Impressive, too, was Sylvester Jasper. The on-loan Fulham man gets better with each appearance and even at this early stage the option to buy in his contract is looking like a smart bit of business.

We are still waiting to see the ‘complete performance’ from Maloney’s team and there were certainly aspects that could be improved. But the manager and the club’s hierarchy have stressed the importance of time, whether in allowing Elias Melkersen to adapt to Scottish football, or sticking with the team as the players get used to a new style of play.