Grant Hanley's brief spell up front prompts questions for Hibs after 2-1 home defeat

Grant Hanley was pushed into a makeshift striker role as Hibernian lost 2-1 to Celtic at Easter Road in their Scottish Premiership match on Sunday, the defeat leaving Hibs without a positive return from the weekend. Head coach Marink Reedijk introduced the veteran centre-back from the bench in search of a late spark with eight minutes remaining.

Reedijk, making his third competitive decision since taking charge, said he brought Hanley on to unsettle Celtic after his side had struggled for momentum and possession. "I saw that we struggled to get the momentum. Celtic tried to play the game out and I wanted to change something to get a little bit of chaos," Reedijk said. "Eventually I think it worked, I think [Hanley] did a fantastic job because at the end of the day he was a handful for the two defenders and they didn't know what to do about him."

During his short cameo Hanley won one header that led to a chance for Josh Mulligan and was close to getting on the end of a deflected effort from Rabbi Matondo. The visitors held on for the 2-1 result despite Hibs' late reshuffle.

Former Hibs midfielder Scott Allan questioned the club's options and highlighted Hanley's impact as a concern rather than a solution. "The biggest surprise was the impact Grant Hanley had up front," Allan said. "That would also be a concern if you're a Hibs fan because that's probably the impact they were looking for from Ante Suto. "I thought there was a real lack of quality within the Hibs side throughout. "I refuse to take a positive that Grant Hanley coming up front for the last 10 minutes and being a target man is something you want to be talking about. "Hibs have to be better than that as your option to try and get back into a game. I understand certain times call for a bit of chaos, but that is not for me. They've got to be better than that."

Ante Suto had entered the match 15 minutes before Hanley but, according to the report, failed to make a meaningful impact; the squad also includes Nathan Lowe as another recognised striker. Martin Boyle withdrew from the starting lineup on the morning of the game through illness, while Owen Elding — who scored in the match — and record signing Thibault Klidje are described as different types of forwards.

The club's supporters have expressed dissatisfaction with sporting director Malky Mackay and the recruitment overseen during his tenure, and Reedijk is obliged to work with the current squad until January, a situation the report calls "a massive worry" given Hibs' position. When Allan was asked if he had seen any improvements since Reedijk replaced former head coach David Gray he replied: "For me, no." He added: "Do they look like they're trying to change the style of play? We've heard a lot of talk about it, but I haven't really seen it. Moving forward, Hibs have to start winning games of football."

The result allowed Celtic to restore a four-point lead with the narrow win at Hibs, while Hibernian remain bottom of the Scottish Premiership.