Lee Johnson says Hibs is 'full of potential' as he looks to rejiggle his squad.
The Easter Road side suffered a 4-0 hammering at the hands of Ange Postecoglou and Celtic as they ended 2022 on a low. It's been a tough run of late for the Hibees, despite a big win over Livingston, as they continue to fight for the top six and European places. They trail capital rivals Hearts by five points in the race for third - having played a game more.
The duo go head to head in the derby next time out with Johnson adamant his troops will go to Tynecastle with the belief of winning the match. January will present another chance to wheel and deal as he looks to get the players to match his system into the club while moving on those who are not part of his plans. Giving his verdict on the defeat to Celtic, he told BBC Sportsound: "It's fair to say the better team won.
READ MORE: Jake Doyle-Hayes Hibs transfer news as club 'accept' bid from Forest Green Rovers
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"But we really took the game to Celtic in the first 15 minutes. The second 15 minutes, they owned, bossed it on the ball. That's my criticism. Could we have applied more pressure?
"Against a side of that quality, we're just not there yet. I'd like us to have been switched on more for a couple of the goals but we had chances and counter-attacked well.
"We have to keep building and we have to do that over windows and with development. I think there's a lot to be positive about for 2023. We have an opportunity to rejiggle the squad and we have some really good young players coming through. For me, the club is still full of potential.
On the impending derby at Tynecastle, he added: "we haven't won there enough.
"We are going there believing we can win the match and it's important for everyone to know."
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