Hibs return to match action for the final time of their pre-season camp in Ireland against NIFL Premiership side Cliftonville in a behind-closed-doors friendly on Saturday.
Similarly to the fixture against Shamrock Rovers, the 30 players who travelled as part of the week-long training camp in Ireland could all be involved in Saturday’s match.
Gray handed starts to Academy graduates Joseph McGrath, Josh McDonald and Jacob MacIntyre against Rovers, while Lewis Gillie, Zach Bruce and Logan Jiménez came off the substitutes’ bench at half-time.
A number of international players, including Jordan Obita, Jamie McGrath, Martin Boyle and Owen Elding, were rested at Tallaght Stadium but could feature against Cliftonville.
Following almost two strong weeks of pre-season, that included a narrow 1-0 defeat against reigning League of Ireland Premier Division champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Tuesday night, David Gray’s side are now ready for their second pre-season friendly ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.
Cliftonville suffered a disappointing conclusion to the 2025/26 season, having failed in their bid to secure European qualification for a third successive season after a 2-1 defeat to Dungannon Swifts in the play-off semi-final in May 2026.
Defeat against Dungannon Swifts left a palpable sense of disappointment in the air at Solitude, with the financial incentive of European football almost vital for bolstering the squad for the upcoming 2026/27 season, while it also highlighted the challenges faced during recent seasons.
But looking ahead, the Reds have shifted focus towards building for the future and the upcoming campaign.
As they regroup, having returned for pre-season at the end of June, Jim Magilton’s charges will hope to turn disappointment into motivation in the 2026/27 campaign.
No fewer than five new signings have arrived, with defenders Joel Thompson, Aaron Wightman, Dan O’Connor and former Hibee Kyle McClelland all joining the Reds, as well as winger Ben Quinn.
Supporters can follow live updates from the match from our social media channels! We will also have a match report and exclusive reaction for you after the final whistle on our website and social media.
