Celtic’s game against Hibernian on Monday night was dominated beforehand by the news that many of the Celtic players and management would be unavailable for the game as they were having to self-isolate.
However, there was another story in the game that was overlooked and perhaps shouldn’t have been. That was the fact that former Arsenal goalkeeper Matt Macey made his debut in goals for Hibernian.
Could have been baptism of fire
Macey’s debut could have been a real baptism of fire. Despite having so many players out Celtic still fielded a strong side. Hibernian were going into the game on the back of three successive league defeats.
Hibernian goalkeeper Matt Macey in action against Celtic (Photo by Ross MacDonald/SNS Group via Getty Images)
However, Macey handled what could have been a difficult situation well, in the game which ended 1-1. Some of his saves in the first-half in particular were excellent.
RONALDO NEEDS TO STOP WHINING.
He will have been disappointed not to have kept a clean sheet, but David Turnbull’s free-kick was a good finish. Still, Macey showed enough in his performance that he will provide good competition to Ofir Marciano.
Jack Ross should have no qualms about starting Macey against Kilmarnock on Saturday if that needs to happen. Macey has already shown that he can handle the pressure of playing for Hibernian after only one game.
Some Hibernian fans on social media were impressed with the player’s debut.
‘Solid’ performance
One common word that was used was ‘solid’. That is what a team wants when they sign a goalkeeper that might not play every week.
Hibernian manager Jack Ross congratulates Matt Macey (Photo by Rob Casey/SNS Group via Getty Images)
Here are some of the best reactions from social media to Macey’s Hibernian debut.
Matt Macey what a goalkeeper unreal 💚👏🏼
— finlay kellett🇳🇬 (@KellettFinlay) January 11, 2021
Actually like the look of big Matt Macey
— PK (@PedzKeenan) January 11, 2021
FT: We grab a dramatic point at Parkhead !! Tell you what apart from a few blips it was a solid performance tonight if Mcginn hadn’t of gifted Celtic the lead we could have been talking 3 points. Well done to Macey, Mallan. Nisbet and Gogic who had all had a great game. GGTTH 🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/POKY0zgr8M
— JackGillies1875 (@JackGillies6) January 11, 2021
Macey looks solid. Good distribution. Looks like a keeper (no pun intended)
— L (@Zacthedug1) January 11, 2021
Was impressed with Macey. Good solid back up who can challenge our keepers.
— Mel Clements 😷 (@MelClements91) January 11, 2021
Big Macey looking good so far and Josh Doig playing lit prime Roberto Carlos the night. Strong second half needed, mon eh Hibs 💚
— 🏴 Aidan 🇳🇬 (@AidanGW99) January 11, 2021
Macey has been superb👍🏻👍🏻
— Home Of Hibs (@HomeOfHibs) January 11, 2021