Gaffers gave me Jack up

Brendan Rodgers showered him with praise and he earned the respect of Premier League bosses Sean Dyche and Chris Wilder earlier this season.

That’s why new Hibs manager Jack Ross has no fears about taking on champions Celtic in their own backyard today.

Ross impressed former Hoops boss Rodgers when he took Alloa to Parkhead early in his managerial career.

And at Sunderland this term, his side knocked Burnley and Sheffield United out of the Carabao Cup. So he isn’t afraid relationship with Neil. It was probably one of the best spells I’ve had in my career, playing my best football.

“He showed real belief in me. He is a top manager – as he has proved by doing so well since going back to Celtic.”

After Lennon got Hibs back to the top flight of Scottish football, they went toe-to-toe with Rangers and Celtic.

In his first Premiership season, they beat Gers twice at Ibrox and got a victory over Celts at Easter Road as well as a 2-2 draw at Parkhead.

If Ross can garner similar results, Hibs will do well and Hanlon says the makeup of their squad is built for a forwardthinking approach.

He said: “To win in Glasgow, you need a mixture of good defending and belief to go out and play.

“You can’t give Celtic the ball back because they will destroy you. So you need to use the ball well when you get it.

“The majority of our players are attack-minded. It puts a bit of pressure on the boys at the of facing Neil Lennon’s troops this afternoon.

Ross said: “I’ve gained a lot of experience in the last 18 months of big matches and stadiums.

“So going to Celtic Park feels normal now. The first time, with Alloa, was a big deal.

“But we held them 0-0 until late in the game – it showed me I was on the right path as a coach

“And once you’ve done it then it just feels like work.

“Brendan was good with me. I went to Lennoxtown and he back and we don’t have enough clean sheets.

“But that’s our job and we need to deal with it. And

I’d gladly take winning 2-1 or 3-1 every week. It’s a trade-off.”

To keep

Celtic at zero this afternoon,

Hanlon and fellow centreback Ryan

Porteous will need to be at the top of their game.

Porteous recently received a Scotland call-up and looks ready to fulfil his undoubted potential under Ross.

Hanlon has had several defensive partners at Easter Road but admits the youngster could be the best of the lot.

He said: “Ryan is great to play alongside. He’s all action and desperate to be involved.

“He’s so enthusiastic I have to rein him in sometimes.

“But he has a massive future and the potential to be the best I’ve played with at Hibs.” gave up loads of his time. Chris and Sean are good managers too.

“I don’t find them intimidating – I enjoy the challenge.

“I’ve been in Neil’s company a few times and he has my respect – his record is phenomenal.

“But we’ve got a chance. We’re a good side and the boys feel confident.”