SCOTTISH PREMIER LEAGUE: Hibernian 2 Celtic 0TWO YEARS ago Celtic could legitimately crow about having one of the best goalkeepers in Europe. Artur Boruc, courted by Arsenal and Milan, was destined for bigger and better things than the Scottish Premier League.
It was ironic, then, that Arsenal had scouting representation at Easter Road yesterday. Boruc, whose cult status among the Celtic support remains a source of intrigue given that off-field controversies appear to be affecting his form, supplied the latest howler of a troubled season to hand Hibernian a vital breakthrough.
Rather than fear a significant bid from south of the border for his custodian, bringing in a back-up who will properly challenge Boruc should be a priority for Gordon Strachan when the transfer window re-opens.
Before then, the Celtic manager has the intriguing prospect of the season's second Old Firm derby on December 27th. Rangers' 7-1 demolition of Hamilton on Saturday means the reigning champions' lead at the top of the SPL has been cut to four points.
John Rankin's 45-yard effort should hardly have troubled Boruc, even though the ball swerved before reaching Celtic's goal. Poor early positioning and a loss of footing thereafter proved fatal; at a venue where he also had a difficult 90 minutes last season Boruc's name was again chanted by an unforgiving Hibs support.
"It is self-explanatory," said a terse Strachan of his goalkeeper's latest mistake. "I don't know how Artur is. I don't think he will ever lack confidence, but I am not here to talk about the goal or Artur."
Whether he likes it or not, others will debate Boruc's troubles openly. It was left to Gary Caldwell to defend his team-mate. "Artur doesn't need to apologise," he said. "That's life, there are errors in football. We will get on with things and so will Artur. He is a great goalkeeper and we are glad to have him."
Celtic's 12-match winning league run is now at an end. But for a five-minute spell after Rankin's intervention they lacked spark in the final third. Strachan's decision to name Shunsuke Nakamura and Georgios Samaras as substitutes rather than starters hardly helped matters.
Steven Fletcher had passed up the best chance of a taut opening half. Hibs' highly rated striker was suitably distracted by Boruc when sent clean through and promptly shot high and wide.
Despite the fortuitous nature of their first goal, Hibs had dominated midfield matters with Rankin ably assisted by the outstanding Sol Bamba.
And there was plenty to admire about the hosts' second. A fine move down the left culminated in Alan O'Brien picking out Rankin with a cross. The former Manchester United trainee's knock-down was perfect for Colin Nish, who finished from close range.
While Hibs can celebrate an unbeaten four-match run, Celtic are contemplating Villarreal's Champions League visit to Glasgow on Wednesday.
With Strachan's men already out of Europe, the result is irrelevant to them. Yet their goalkeeper has about three weeks to regain some form. Otherwise, Rangers may get a late Christmas present.
HIBERNIAN:Ma-Kalambay, van Zanten, Hogg, Jones, Murray, Thicot (Chisholm 85), Bamba, Rankin, O'Brien (Stevenson 82), Nish, Fletcher. Subs not used:McNeil, Riordan, Yantorno, Pinau, Campbell. Booked:Ma-Kalambay.
CELTIC:Boruc, Hinkel, Caldwell, McManus, Wilson, Loovens, Scott Brown, Hartley (McGeady 71), Maloney, Sheridan (Samaras 56), McDonald. Subs not used:Mark Brown, Nakamura, Mizuno, O'Dea, Caddis. Booked:Caldwell.
Referee:C Thomson (Scotland).
