On the loan of Hyeok-kyu Kwon from Celtic, Gray noted how impressive he was at St Mirren last season and that he had received “a lot of good references” for the midfielder.

Commenting on the weak start to the season, the head coach said the players are getting stronger day by day and the responsibility and focus remains to ensure they improve.

Gray insists Dylan Vente is still a Hibs player despite reports the striker has travelled to the Netherlands to join PEC Zwolle.

According to Gray, there has been speculation about Elie Youan’s future for “a long time”, but at the moment his focus is entirely on getting fit again. The French striker is back training on the pitch and the club is happy with his progress.

New signing Junior Hoilett is not yet ready to play, but is also making progress day by day and is back on the pitch.

Gray says playing Celtic twice in a row can be an advantage for Hibs, with the disappointment of last week’s defeat still fresh in the players’ minds. They know exactly what to expect but admit it doesn’t make the test any easier.

Regarding his goals for the entire season, he emphasizes that he has to improve compared to last season and be “far better.”