Bryson On Bench As Hibs Women Make Two Changes

Joelle Murray has made two changes to her Hibernian Women starting XI as we face Celtic this afternoon at New Douglas Park. 

The Hibees have not had a competitive fixture in three weekends since defeating Aberdeen 3-0 at Balmoral Stadium last month and return today to begin their final stretch of fixtures. 

Our defensive line stays the same – with Stacey Papadopoulos, Lauren Doran-Barr, Scarlett Herron and Linzi Taylor starting once more – whilst Noa Schumacher remains in goal.

The first change comes in the middle of the park as Ciara Grant replaces fellow Irish midfielder Jess Fitzgerald. Our number 6 returns after missing out in Aberdeen, making her 24th appearance of the season in the process. 

Central midfielder Kirsten Reilly dons the captain’s armband for a second consecutive match.

Kathleen McGovern, who returns from international break in fine form – having netted three goals in two matches for each of Hibs and Scotland, respectively – and is joined in the forward line by a trio of Scotland U23s players. 

Eilidh Adams and Tegan Bowie started last time out, while Rosie Livingstone replaces Kirsty Morrison in attack.

On the bench, English defender Faye Bryson could make her debut as a substitute after signing for the Club earlier this month. The former Everton full-back joined Hibs as a free transfer following a two-year stint in Australia. 

Siobhan Hunter returns to the matchday squad following a near-three-month lay-off and is in contention to make her first appearance of 2026 if brought on. 

Fitzgerald and Morrison, who made way for Grant and Livingstone, respectively, are both named on the bench alongside Rowena Armitage, Caley Gibb, Ellis Notley, Hannah Jordan, and Tiree Burchill. 

Three players are unavailable for this fixture. Jess Ramsay is on international duty with Scotland U17s, Club Captain Rachael Boyle remains out, and Milly Boughton has joined Motherwell on loan until the end of the season.