Newell is pleased with Hibernian’s ‘drastic’ change under manager Montgomery.

Hibs’ attacking strategy will not change under their new manager.

Despite a difficult night at Celtic Park, Hibernian midfielder Joe Newell believes they will reap the benefits of their expansive approach in the long run.

Hibs lost 4-1 at Parkhead on Wednesday, but received a standing ovation from the travelling fans for their enterprising play and bravery in passing the ball out from the back.

Manager Nick Montgomery wants to take that approach to every game, and Newell believes they can benefit from their experience against the defending Premiership champions in Glasgow.

“There are different ways to play football obviously,” Newell said. “Teams will go to Parkhead and sit behind the ball. Motherwell did that the other week and got a draw and fair play to them.

“But we are not going to do that. Since the gaffer has come in he has been very clear on how he wants us to play and we are all together as a club going forward.

“The fans are starting to come on board to it now. I think they are appreciating it.

“There will be lessons from Tuesday night, but it is about staying with our philosophy and our beliefs. Hopefully further down the line we will go to Parkhead, play the same way and get results.”

With Hearts and St Mirren also losing, the defeat had little impact on fifth-placed Hibs’ attempts to climb the table.

“The manager has only been here two or three months, not that long really. We haven’t had a pre-season with him, there has been a lot of games,” Newell said.

“It will take time, it will not happen overnight. But I think the change you have seen already has been quite drastic. I have felt it personally playing in it.

“Not many teams will go to Parkhead and try and play like we did. We obviously lost, but we won’t go away from what we are doing and the manager won’t want us to do that. It’s good. When it comes off, it is really good to watch.

“For me personally I prefer it to your old school lump it up the pitch style. It is a work in progress, but we will carry on and won’t change from it.”

In other news, Hibs boss is furious after what Alistair Johnston told his players regarding Celtic’s penalty award last night.