Team News: Newell Returns With Four Changes For Celtic Clash

Hibernian Head Coach David Gray has made four changes to his side for today’s William Hill Premiership game against Celtic, with Jordan Smith returning to the starting XI for the first time in 232 days.

The goalkeeper came off the bench to replace Raphael Sallinger during our defeat to Hearts last weekend, and will start between the sticks for the first time since a 3-3 draw with Dundee United in September.

Elsewhere, Kanayo Megwa - who registered eleven defensive actions in total, including seven clearances and two key tackles last time out - returns at right-back to make his first start since our 0-0 draw with Rangers at Easter Road in February.

Captain Joe Newell does likewise, replacing Dan Barlaser in midfield, while Jack Iredale is preferred to Jordan Obita at left centre-back.

So, Smith starts in goal. Our No13 made a number of impressive saves last weekend, and he will be protected by a back five of Megwa, Warren O’Hora, Rocky Bushiri, Iredale and Nicky Cadden.

Miguel Chaiwa and Newell will likely patrol the midfield, while Jamie McGrath will also operate in the Hibees' engine room.

And up front, captain Martin Boyle and Owen Elding will provide the central attacking threat as we seek back-to-back victories over Celtic for the first time since September 2007.

Hibs Academy graduate Freddie Owens is on the substitutes’ bench, and he is joined by defenders Chris Cadden and Obita, midfielders Alasana Manneh, Barlaser, Kai Andrews and Josh Campbell, and forwards Dane Scarlett and Ante Šuto.

This fixture comes too soon for Josh Mulligan and Munashe Garananga as they continue to recover from injury, while Rudi Molotnikov is ruled out for the season.

Sallinger, Grant Hanley and Felix Passlack are all suspended this afternoon.

Hibs XI: Smith, Megwa, O’Hora, Bushiri, Iredale, Nicky Cadden, Chaiwa, Newell (C), McGrath, Boyle, Elding
Subs: Owens (GK), Manneh, Chris Cadden, Obita, Barlaser, Andrews, Campbell, Scarlett, Šuto

Celtic XI: Sinisalo, Johnston, Trusty, Scales, Tierney, McGregor (C), Engels, Nygren, Yang, Maeda, Tounekti
Subs: Doohan (GK), Saracchi, Ralston, Murray, McCowan, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Hatate, Forrest, Iheanacho