IAN Murray concedes that Hibernian cannot lay claim to having the strongest squad in the race to be crowned Scotland's best of the rest.

However, he is adamant they do boast the best manager.

And the former Easter Road skipper has backed Neil Lennon to underline his ability by crashing Celtic's title party.

Read more: Neil Lennon can take over the reins at Celtic whenever Brendan Rodgers moves on

The Hoops know a victory in the capital on Saturday will seal seven-in-a-row, but Murray firmly believes that will prove to be a welcome incentive for the Hibees, who have their own priorities – namely, seeking to close the three-point gap to Rangers and Aberdeen.

And Murray only needs to look at the respective dugouts to find the confidence that Hibs are destined to topple their rivals.

"Hibs can definitely use the occasion to their advantage, it is a huge incentive to stop Celtic from winning the league at Easter Road,” said Murray.

“You use that prospect as motivation and try to say ‘we’re going to spoil their party’.

“I’m sure during the build-up it will be all about what Celtic will do and what they can achieve. It's easy for people to forget that this is a huge game for Hibs too.

"It could be massive for them going for second place, which they have every reason to believe they can get.

“I don’t think they have the best squad out of Aberdeen, Rangers and Hibs – however I do believe they have the best manager and that could be a deciding factor.”

Read more: Celtic winger James Forrest expects fired up Neil Lennon at Easter Road on Saturday

Should Hibs emerge as Celtic's closest challengers when the curtain comes down on their first campaign back in the top-flight since 2014, it is a feat which Murray contends should see Lennon in the running for manager of the year.

“I’ve chatted with a few people about who should be manager of the year in Scotland and there are a few up there,” continued Murray. “Steve Clarke has done very well at Kilmarnock, Stephen Robinson getting to two cup finals with Motherwell, Brendan Rodgers going for the double treble.

“But Neil Lennon deserves to be in that conversation for bringing a team up from the Championship and potentially finishing second. Neil and his coaching staff have done a fantastic job."