Le Guen wary of Hibernian threat

Nick Harris
Saturday 09 December 2006 01:00 GMT
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The most important game in Scotland this weekend pits Paul Le Guen's inconsistent Rangers against John Collins' resurgent young Hibernian at Ibrox today. But, as in the Scottish Premier League at large, it was Celtic yesterday who were causing more of a stir.

In a pre-match press conference ahead of tomorrow's trip to Dunfermline, Celtic's Thomas Gravesen acted like a sulky teenager when asked about his form, then threatened to walk out.

The 30-year-old Dane was criticised after the 3-1 midweek Champions' League defeat to Copenhagen, but asked about the match he said only: "No comment." On his fluctuating form, he said: "The Dunfermline game please ... I'm in a team and it's called Celtic, it's not a single-man thing, it's a team."

When asked again to discuss his form, he snapped: "If you ask one more time about me, I walk out." On whether club morale had been affected by the midweek defeat he said: "I don't know", and gave the same answer when asked if Celtic could lose tomorrow. Then he left.

His manager, Gordon Strachan, was more upbeat. "Looking back [on midweek] now, we are leading the SPL [by 16 points] and are into the last 16 of the Champions' League so we must be pleased. We never claimed to be a great side but we're a decent side with decent players and we have got a good attitude."

Le Guen said yesterday that the Hibs game is an "an opportunity to take revenge" for Rangers' trip to Easter Road in September, when the hosts won 2-1. "They have a good team, good talent," Le Guen said. "I have played against John Collins. I like him, but he will be my opponent."

Hibs are unbeaten in six games since Collins took over and would leapfrog Rangers with a win. The game has added spice because Hibs twice beat Rangers 3-0 at Ibrox last season.

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