Captain Joe Newell has fired a defiant message ahead of Sunday's clash with Celtic, insisting there is "no chance" Hibs will take their foot off the gas. With the Scottish Premiership title race heating up, a win or draw for David Gray's side at Easter Road could inadvertently boost the title hopes of Edinburgh rivals Hearts, who currently sit three points clear of Celtic with just four games remaining.

While some Hibs supporters might secretly welcome a defeat to hinder Hearts' charge, Newell made it crystal clear that professional pride and their own ambitions come first. Hibs are still battling to catch Motherwell for fourth place, and the captain isn't about to let any outside noise influence the performance.

"I completely get the conversation, but we're a group of professional athletes," Newell said. "We fight with each other over five-a-sides in training. If you think we're going to lie down in front of thousands of people and the Sky cameras, you're wrong. We'll be doing our utmost to win the game of football—it's as simple as that."

Newell acknowledged hearing the chatter from the stands but stressed the squad's focus remains unwavering. "You play for this club, you're expected to do as well as you can. We've got our own targets we haven't achieved yet, and we need to. In that respect, it's straightforward."

With tensions high and the title race on a knife-edge, Sunday's showdown promises to be anything but a walkover—and Newell's words ensure fans know Hibs are coming to play, not to roll over.