Lee Johnson has defended Hibs' wild celebrations after Martin Boyle 's dramatic derby equaliser - saying he refuses to apologise for letting loose after a huge goal for his team.
After coming off the bench for his second Hibs debut, Boyle struck at the death to draw his side level against Hearts and there were wild celebrations all around Easter Road. Jambos defender Toby Sibbick was critical, claiming Hibs had celebrated like they'd "won a cup" but a defiant Johnson insists it was only natural.
He also responded to Robbie Neilson's barb about Hibs lofty expectations for the season, with the Hearts boss also claiming his team "dominated" at Easter Road. Johnson said: "I certainly won't apologise for the perception of over-celebrating because it was a good goal for us. The timing and the crescendo that was built up, I don't think anybody should worry about us and how we celebrate. It wasn't offensive to anybody. It was just us elated at a really good moment at an important time in the game."
"As for us saying, 'we're going to do this and that', of course we're going to be up front with our fans and try and articulate the journey we're on and how we're going to get there," said Johnson, speaking at his media briefing ahead of this Saturday's trip to Livingston.
"Hopefully we're proved right by the hard work we do. We're not in the business of knocking others down to propel ourselves, we just like to tell our supporters where we see our place in the journey at the moment."
Johnson also explained that Hibs - who have made 11 signings so far - are unlikely to be adding any further new faces in the current transfer window unless any players depart. "There will probably have to be a couple of outs if there are to be any ins now," he said. "We've probably just tickled over the budget for where we are and where we need to be. But in saying that, we're always open and there's always a little room for manoeuvre."
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