GRAY INTENDS TO OUTSMART THE MAESTRO

DAVID GRAY is determined to make sure Martin O'Neill signs off from his caretaker Celtic stint with a defeat.

- Darren Johnstone

But the Hibs boss admits he is in awe of what the Northern Irishman has achieved in the game - and would love to be going strong in the dugout at 73!

O'Neill - who led Celtic to three league titles and runners-up spot in the UEFA Cup over 20 years ago - is expected to take charge of the Bhoys for one final time tomorrow with Wilfried Nancy incoming.

Gray is looking forward to putting his wits against the wily campaigner but that will not temper his motivation to make sure O'Neill's endures a painful visit to Easter Road.

Gray, whose side are looking to bounce back from Tuesday's 2-0 defeat at Motherwell, said: “He's a very successful manager.

“I've never met him personally or coached against him but whenever people talk about him they speak with real respect.