'I'd like to say yes, but not really' - Toby Sibbick latest as Hearts boss Daniel Stendel discusses loanee's derby chances

Toby Sibbick has been sidelined for weeks by glandular fever. Pic: SNS

Hearts midfielder Toby Sibbick remains doubtful for the Edinburgh derby against Hibs as he continues recovering from glandular fever.

Striker Liam Boyce returned from illness as a late substitute in Saturday's Scottish Cup quarter-final win against Rangers. However, Sibbick was still absent.

Hearts coaching staff are not expecting the on-loan Barnsley player to be ready in time to face Hibs tomorrow night unless his condition shows rapid progress when he reports to Riccarton this morning.

Sibbick has made two appearances since joining the Edinburgh club last month but the last of those was back on February 1 at St Johnstone.

"Toby Sibbick and Peter Haring are two players we miss. I think that will not change so quickly," admitted Daniel Stendel, the Hearts manager.

Asked if Sibbick was being kept out of the Rangers tie to give him a better chance of featuring at Easter Road, Stendel replied: "I would like to say yes, but not really. He is still doubtful."