David Gray says he fully understands Hibs fans' frustration over the ticket uncertainty around Sunday's clash with Rangers.

With less than 72 hours until Sunday's 12pm kick-off at Ibrox, an away allocation for travelling supporters has still not been officially made available. The Hibs Observer exclusively revealed on Wednesday night that Easter Road bosses do still expect to receive a full complement for the weekend fixture following an intervention from the Scottish Professional Football League.

Hibs approached the league's governing body as a last resort having had no confirmation from Rangers amid ongoing renovation works at Ibrox. SPFL rules stipulate that home clubs ‘must make provision for the admission of such reasonable number of visiting supporters at every home league match’ and must do so ‘no later than 14 days prior to the date of the match in question’. 

Hibs' appeal to league chiefs saw them granted a full allocation of 932 tickets, with the club ready to put them on sale as soon as they are received from Rangers. Gray says Hibs have worked hard in an attempt to gain clarity, insisting supporters deserved full details as early as possible.

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"My understanding at the moment is that we expect [away] supporters to be there, which I think is great," Gray said. "It's the most important thing. Fans are vital to Scottish football, and a massive part of why it's a great spectacle. They're passionate and get right behind their teams. They should have the opportunity to go and do that. It's also an opportunity for us to go there and send them back along the M8 happy.

"It's a difficult game at a difficult venue, but it really adds to the atmosphere when they're there. It's my understanding that I think they will be [allowed in]. I know the club is working extremely hard to speak to everyone to try and get that to be the case. From the fans' point of view, I understand it being really frustrating and difficult. For me, my full focus is on preparing the team, and that's a challenge in itself. But I know the club have been working extremely hard.

"In an ideal world, the fans would like to know as early as possible so they can plan and be aware of exactly what's happening. But I'm sure everyone is doing everything they possibly can to try and make that happen."