Hibs’ skipper David Gray is expecting a tough game at East End Park this afternoon against on-form Dunfermline who beat fellow challengers Morton away from home last week.
The Pars almost did the same to Hibs on their last visit to Easter Road and only some goalkeeping heroics from Ofir Marciano secured a share of the points that day.
The Hibs players and staff know that three points will significantly improve their chances of automatic promotion as rivals Morton face Dumbarton.
Hibs are currently ten points ahead of Jim Duffy’s side who have a game in hand.
Gray told Hibernian TV: “We all know that the Dunfermline game will be really tough. They came to Easter Road the last time and gave us a real good game and they probably shaded it in terms of clear cut chances. Ofir (Marciano) was outstanding to get us a point.
“They have really good players going forward. We went there earlier in the season and they went one nil up but we have to put on a performance like we did in the second half.
“Every game now will be the biggest game of the season until we manage to get over the line and our focus is firmly on Saturday and getting the three points.
“We will go to Dunfermline and the manager will have us right with a game plan.”
The popular right back has missed the last two games due to an injury but he is hoping to be back in contention for todays game.
He continued: “I had a little tweek in my hamstring which I have had to manage for the last ten days or so but it’s feeling better.
“I’ve trained the last two days and came through reasonably unscathed so we will just have to see how it reacts.
“It was disappointing to miss the games against our immediate rivals and it was probably harder to have to sit in the stand and watch it. I feel more nervous watching than I do playing but I am delighted that the lads have done so well in the last couple of games.
“I think we are in a good place with our position in the league. there has been a little bit of frustration kicking in at times when we have missed opportunities, like for example dropping points in our home game after beating Dundee United. That was disappointing.
“We could have been a little bit further in front but we have been in the league for three seasons so we know every game is difficult whether you are at home or away.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
