David Marshall post-match Q&A after Hibs 0, Celtic 0

How are you feeling after that?

“It felt all right, actually. I don’t know how it looked. Obviously they had two big chances; Daizen Maeda in the first half, James Forrest in the second. And they dominated the last 15 or 20 minutes.

“That closing spell was really tough, when they brought on subs who gave them some real energy after Wednesday. I thought we equipped ourselves quite well, without ever really testing Joe Hart. It was similar to the Rangers game in terms of getting into good areas and just not taking advantage of it.

How important was a performance and result like that after Ibrox?

“It was massive, after losing four goals last weekend, to keep a clean sheet. It’s difficult to explain but we didn’t play that badly at Ibrox, we kept a lot of possession. But it’s difficult when you concede four, your heads go down. 

“We had a full week to focus on Celtic, which obviously they didn’t have, with playing on Wednesday. We knew what we wanted to do, and I think the full-backs and wingers were key to that. It’s a hard shift in those positions against Celtic because they have got some real pace and quality out wide. The full-backs, especially, were brilliant.

A real test of concentration as well?

“100 per cent, and we passed it. Since the manager has come in, he’s asked a lot from us. Changing formation. Changing personnel at times, too, so to keep that clean sheet was good, because we conceded a couple of Tynecastle and then four at Ibrox. Keeping Celtic goalless builds belief and builds momentum. Obviously we dropped a lot of points early in the season, against teams we’d really hope to win against, so hopefully we can take advantage of the point against Celtic – and make it three on Tuesday.

Rocky celebrated that late block like a clearance?

“He always does that, to be fair. But then two minutes later he said he had cramp! So why are you celebrating then? That’s just typical Rocky. But, again, that’s just something that builds belief. He puts his body on the line, he’s whole-hearted. And he was great.

“We had a couple of iffy moments in the first half, myself and Rocky, but coming through that builds the belief, keeping a clean sheet against the top side in the country.

Did that performance show that you can play 442 and get a positive result?

“We definitely have another side to our game. I know people questioned our formation but, I mean, Celtic defend in a 442, really. I think when it comes to attacking and defending, it’s kind of different, it changes from game to game.

“And our personnel was different against Celtic. We went with Martin Boyle up top, sometimes we’ve gone with Christian Doidge, so a formation is an easy thing to talk about. But it’s different in game to game.

“It’s definitely hard work for Joe Newell and Jimmy Jeggo in the centre of midfield, especially against a Celtic team who have a lot of possession. But we can do it. We’ve got the pace and athleticism in the team. And results like this will give us that belief.

Did the gaffer talk about Celtic being tired after their midweek game?

“He didn’t talk a lot about it – but obviously he mentioned it to us, how they might be after such a big game. I’ve been there and know how difficult it is: a Champions League night is emotional and it takes a lot out of you.

“Playing Atletico Madrid was a real tough game for them, so we knew there might be some effect.

“We thought they might actually change some more players but I think they felt they could maybe get a fast start and score early. But they’ve still got quality coming off the bench.

“So, yeah, we mentioned the Champions League effect a little bit. But you’ve still got to go out there and perform to make it a factor. And we did.

How are you enjoying your playmaker role at the back?

“It’s good. I really enjoy that side of the game. In the first half, we probably played short a little bit too much; players’ decision making has to be good. But, if we don’t do that, we don’t then get the chance to use the fullbacks in the second half.

“Listen, you’re trying to drag a team on and create that space. Early in the second half, it was on to go longer into the full-backs. We’ve done it before and I think we did it very well, to be fair, probably the best we’ve done it, at Ibrox last Saturday. To go to places like that and do it, then repeat it at home to Celtic, builds belief.

You kept a clean sheet but you also made two important saves?

“Aye, it’s great to make saves. You know that, if you’re going to keep a clean sheet against Celtic, your back four and goalkeeper all have to play well. The Maeda one was a big chance for him, he’ll probably feel he should score. And another one they had was from our build-up, a mistake.

“They dominated the second half. But I don’t think we were under the cosh too much.

You've got a big week coming up...

“Obviously fans’ expectations turn to the semi-final at Hampden. But, having dropped too many points at the start of the season, Tuesday is huge. I know Malky Mackay really well so I know exactly what his mindset will be, him and Don Cowie coming down.

“We lost to Ross County here last season, so we’re under no illusions. We’ll have to be right. It’s a huge game for us because, if we win that, it puts us in a good position – and we can carry the momentum into Saturday.”