David Gray watched his Hibs side lose for the first time in 16 games – then admitted he can have no complaints about their Scottish Cup exit at the hands of Celtic.
The Hibees lost 2-0 at Celtic Park this afternoon, giving a reasonable account of themselves to make it a contest but not really troubling Kasper Schmeichel in the home goal.
Adam Idah’s stoppage time finish added to Daizen Maeda’s first half opener to ensure it’s the holders who head into the Scottish Cup semi-final draw.
Gray’s side will now shift focus to the Premiership run-in as they look to hold onto third spot after motoring past Aberdeen and Dundee United with their recent form.
It was a first defeat in 16 games and while the manager admits it’s not a nice feeling, he admits the best team won.
Gray assesses Hibs defeat to Celtic
Gray felt his side put up a good fight against the league leaders and cup holders but could have been more of a threat in an attacking sense.
He praised the effort of the players, as well as the impressive 7,000 fans who turned out as he insisted he could have no complaints about the final score.
The Easter Road boss told Premier Sports: “It’s not a feeling we’ve been used to for a very long time and that’s credit to the players. It’s never a nice feeling, we’ll never accept losing games of football, but I think on the whole Celtic deserved to win the game.
“I thought any opportunity we did have to hurt Celtic, our quality let us down at times. It’s never through lack of effort. Celtic came out flying as we thought they would, we stood up to that well.
“We lost a goal just before half-time which is always disappointed but then we stayed in the game right to the very end, without really hurting Celtic. That’s the one thing I would say on reflection.
“I’ve got no complaints on us getting knocked out based on the performance. Effort was always there, the fans were outstanding for 90 plus plus minutes as well.”
Disappointment shows how far Hibs have come
Hibs players trudged off the pitch with their heads bowed after the final whistle and their manager reckons that shows how far they’ve come.
When asked that, he added: “Yeah, I think that’s the belief that’s been building over a number of weeks now. You see that with the fans that come to the game as well with real expectation.
“I also think they’ll (the players) also feel we’ve played a lot better this season. Certain moments in the game where we could’ve been more effective.
“And when we did show a little bit of composure, we never really hurt Celtic.”