Counting down the days until Hibs are back? Yep, same here.

The international break may be that bit more tolerable these days with Scotland riding the crest of a wave all the way to Euro 2024, but there's nothing like that anticipation that comes with the return of domestic action. The wait is made that bit more difficult given it's another huge test for Hibs as they head to Ibrox for the first time this season.

Buoyed by an Edinburgh derby revival that maintained Nick Montgomery's unbeaten record, his side will now face a significant challenge away at Rangers. As always, it is a fixture littered with subplots, and there will be a particularly intense spotlight on the home side as Philippe Clement takes charge for the first time since replacing Michael Beale.

For Hibs, though, it's all about focusing on themselves as they go in search of what would be a real statement result to kickstart an intense period for the club.

Over the weekend, there was a welcome change of pace as the club and fans honoured the legendary David Gray with a testimonial match at Easter Road. A team of former Hibees - including manager Montgomery - took on a Manchester United XI on a day of tributes for the man who scored that Scottish Cup final goal in 2016.

READ MORE: How David Gray got to replay final Hibs game at Easter Road

Fittingly, Gray was the only man on the scoresheet on Sunday as Hibs ran out 1-0 winners. Hibs Observer editor Patrick McPartlin was in attendance to soak up the celebratory atmosphere, and he was joined on Monday's lunchtime briefing by Liam Bryce to look back on the occasion.

Elsewhere last week, Lewis Miller made his international debut for Australia, a fitting reward for an impressive start to the season. His current upward career trajectory was on the briefing agenda, as well as looking ahead to a massively important fixture for the Hibees this coming weekend. Our writers ponder how Hibs will approach this latest examination of their credentials, and explain why the game presents Montgomery and his players with a tantalising opportunity to make a statement.

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