Getting backed by Brendan told Jack

Two Celtic Park defeats helped make Jack Ross as a manager.

But the Hibs boss reckons he’s returning today in charge of a side that can finally break the Hoops.

Ross was lavished with praise as a rookie gaffer after his part-time Alloa side pushed Brendan Rodgers’ “Invincibles” to the brink of a League Cup draw.

The then Celtic boss was further impressed later that season when Ross returned in charge of St Mirren, and again caused problems at Parkhead.

Looking back, those two games feel like pivotal moments for the new Hibs boss.

“When you go into coaching or management, you probably need certain moments to happen for you and certain things to fall your way,” explained Ross. “I think everyone would say that.

“I had circumstances where Alloa had a good cup run, drew Celtic and performed well on the night.

“Those little bits of fate go your way, and help you get some attention as a manager when the team does OK.

“At Alloa, as a part-time team we didn’t have loads of time to prepare. But everything we had prepared to hopefully do in the game, we did.

“And we got a bit of luck.

“Celtic had loads of pressure, but didn’t score. You need moments like that to help build your confidence as a manager. It gave me confidence that I was on the right path.”

“Brendan was really good with me after the Alloa game,” said Ross.

“He said that if there was anything I needed, just to let him know. And then on the back of the St Mirren game, I went to Lennoxtown a couple of times.

“Once I went to watch them train, and Brendan gave up loads of his time with me.

“On the next occasion, I just went up for a coffee and a chat.

“I was coming to the end of my time at St Mirren and knew I was probably going to move and we spoke about that.

“He’s obviously a very busy man, and I’ve had a lot on my plate, too, so we don’t speak a lot now.

“But it was good for me early on to have a recommendation from someone like him, who is a good manager.

“And it was nice to be able to go