Hoops manager relishing Hibs test at home

Ange Postecoglou is looking forward to Celtic returning to action with a “good challenge” against Hibernian at Parkhead tonight.

The Hoops beat Hibs 2-1 in the Premier Sports Cup final on December 19 when the Easter Road club had caretaker coach David Gray in charge following the sacking of Jack Ross.

Former Celtic attacker Shaun Maloney has subsequently taken over with wins against Aberdeen and Dundee United in his first two games.

Postecoglou expects another tough test against the Leith outfit as he looks to peg back Rangers’ six-point lead at the top of the cinch Premiership table.

The former Australia boss said: “We played them in the cup final. They are a good side starting to find their strengths, a new manager who has come in with plenty of energy and has given them a bit of a lift after a disappointing period.

“It should be a good challenge but I guess for us, the most important thing is to start playing football in front of fans. We are at home again, we haven’t been at home at Celtic Park for a little while.

“It should be a goodquality game, both teams are coming off the break, they will be nice and fresh and so I expect the pace to be pretty high and hopefully it is an entertaining encounter.”

Postecoglou is pleased he will see Celtic Park full after Covid-19 attendance restrictions were ended.

The top-flight clubs voted to move the winter break forward after Scotland announced a 500-fan cap from Boxing Day in the hope the majority of supporters would be allowed back inside grounds when the campaign resumed.