Hibs boss David Gray admits he completely understands the fan frustrations around the ticket fiasco for Sunday's trip to face Rangers at Ibrox but is confident that the club's efforts in pushing for the full amount of briefs will be successful.
The Hibees are still awaiting to hear official confirmation of just how many tickets they will receive in the away end this weekend after enlisting the help of the SPFL to intervene. Easter Road bosses are expecting a total of 932 briefs for Sunday's Premiership clash in Govan after Ibrox was finally reopened for the Premier Sports Cup quarter final between Rangers and Dundee last Saturday, albeit with sections in the Copland Stand - which was the subject of heavy renovation work over the summer - still unavailable to spectators.
Gray has reassured Hibs supporters that the club are doing everything they can to get the desired outcome with the match less than 72 hours away. Speaking to the media ahead of the game, he said: "My understanding at the moment is that we expect [away] supporters to be there, which I think is great.
"It's the most important thing. Fans are vital to Scottish football, and a massive part of why it's a great spectacle. They're passionate and get right behind their teams. They should have the opportunity to go and do that. It's also an opportunity for us to go there and send them back along the M8 happy.
"It's a difficult game at a difficult venue, but it really adds to the atmosphere when they're there. It's my understanding that I think they will be [allowed in]. I know the club is working extremely hard to speak to everyone to try and get that to be the case. From the fans' point of view, I understand it being really frustrating and difficult. For me, my full focus is on preparing the team, and that's a challenge in itself. But I know the club have been working extremely hard.
"In an ideal world, the fans would like to know as early as possible so they can plan and be aware of exactly what's happening. But I'm sure everyone is doing everything they possibly can to try and make that happen."
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