Things are going well for Hibs right now.
Two renditions of Sunshine on Leith at Easter Road in quick succession show that. Going 15 games unbeaten and making yourselves favourites for third months after being bottom of the league will do that.
And Hibees supporters have responded to it and are buying into what David Gray and his squad are doing right now.
Gray hailed the 7,000 Hibs fans that turned out for the away defeat to Celtic. He also admitted he had no complaints about the Scottish Cup result based on the performances but insisted the way they defended showed how far they have come.
It means the Leith side have been knocked out of both cups by the league leaders but they can still make it a worthwhile campaign by holding on to third.
Former striker Tam McManus is backing them to do that and has also joined Gray in lauding the fans.
McManus brands Hibs fans ‘biggest weapon’
McManus is loving many things about this Hibs side right now, including their steeliness married with the attacking threat they possess.
But he reckons their following may just be the best thing about them at the moment.
Seeing 7,000 supporters giving the team their backing at Celtic Park showed him that and he feels there is a proper connection all around the club.
He said in the Daily Record: “David Gray’s side have a steeliness about them now, which was evident against Celtic Park on Sunday, whereas earlier in the season they were being branded soft every week.
“They also have a real threat right across the forward areas although that sadly wasn’t seen at Parkhead. But perhaps the biggest weapon in their armoury right now? The supporters.
“The sight of 7000 fans at Celtic Park was absolutely magnificent. What a symbol that was of the reconnection between the players, the supporters and everyone at the club.
“It really helped the atmosphere, not only for Gray’s players but for Celtic as well. What a turnaround from four months ago when Easter Road turned absolutely toxic with the side rooted to the bottom of the table.
“To get 7000 at an away game is incredible and the standing ovation they gave the players after the 2-0 defeat will have sent positive vibes through the squad.
“It’s the first time in a good few seasons I’ve seen that connection and it’s now about keeping it – by paying them back. That means clinching third spot.”
Hibs backed to pip Aberdeen to third
The Hibees are now in the driving seat for third after overtaking Aberdeen and Dundee United to sit there with nine games to play.
McManus reckons they are strong favourites to finish third with the Dons their biggest threat.
He added: “I reckon Hibs are a strong bet to land the Premiership’s best of the rest spot. That race for third has certainly taken on added incentive, added pressure. Ask me and it’s a straight fight between Hibs and Aberdeen.
“Hearts are too far off. They would need to go on an incredible run of form and it’s not just one club they’re chasing it’s four. They’re best hope of more Euro group stage football is winning the cup.
“Dundee United and Motherwell I can’t imagine will have the consistency to finish third. It’s all in Hibs’ hands. They have a decent run of four fixtures before the split – Kilmarnock away this weekend where they must show again they can win the battle and send out a statement that the Celtic defeat was just a blip.
“Then it’s St Johnstone at home, Rangers away – and we all know what they’ve been like at Ibrox recently – and Dundee back at Easter Road.”