Gray has no issue with flak as Hibs eye semi-final

What the report says

Hibernian head coach David Gray says he is not dwelling on criticism after a difficult start to the season, as his team prepare for a Premier Sports Cup tie that could take them into the semi-finals. BBC Sport reports that Hibs face Ross County in Dingwall on Saturday, with a place in the last four available if they win.

Gray’s side have lost their last two Premiership matches against Hearts and St Johnstone, and they also missed a chance to progress in European competition. The BBC says that has increased scrutiny on Gray in his third season as head coach, but he argued that managers are always judged by results and that criticism is part of the job. He added that he is focused on improving the team rather than being affected by outside noise.

The match carries added significance for Hibs because they have not reached a semi-final since November 2023, when they lost to Aberdeen in the same competition. Gray said reaching Hampden was a major target at the start of the season and stressed the need for his players to concentrate on the task in hand.

BBC Sport also noted that Ross County, despite being in League One after relegation from the Championship, are unbeaten in the league and have kept much of their core squad together. Gray said that makes them a dangerous opponent and an added challenge for Hibs.