Nick Montgomery rejects Celtic ‘free hit’ as Hibs boss

Nick Montgomery rejects Celtic ‘free hit’ as Hibs boss delivers bullish financial gulf verdict

Celtic remain unbeaten in their Scottish Premiership season so far but Hibs boss Nick Montgomery says they won’t roll over for the Hoops.

Nick Montgomery is certain that his Hibs team will bounce back from their Saturday setback to the Rangers and not give in to Celtic this coming weekend.

The Hoops, who easily defeated Hearts the previous week, are making their second weekly trip to the capital on Saturday afternoon. Montgomery is well aware that the Hoops intend to maintain their current winning streak in an effort to keep Rangers at bay before they play the Jambos on Sunday. The Hoops have only dropped points this season, at home against St Johnstone in August.

At Easter Road, though, the challenge won’t be simple. Hibs were destroyed 4-0 on Philippe Clement’s Ibrox debut last Saturday, and although Montgomery only suffered his first defeat in six games, their task might get a little bit easier in front of their home crowd.

In response to allegations of financial inequality, the Englishman warned Brendan Rodgers and company, saying that money does not buy you games.

“The league table shows you they are the best team in the league right now,” Montgomery remarked. Brendan has done an amazing job leading them since he took over, and they are a terrific team, but it’s always about us.

“It goes without saying that we respect the opposition and need to improve as a unit in defence.

There is never, in my opinion, a free hit. Money has never won a football match, but it can get you a large team with lots of talent. It’s 11v11.