Grant Hanley is rated as “unlikely” to feature for Hibs in this afternoon’s must-win Premier Sports Cup quarter-final clash with Ross County in Dingwall. And talented attacker Owen Elding will only be used in an emergency situation in the Highlands, as the young Irishman continues to work his way back from a calf injury.
Hibs boss David Gray, who revealed that Scotland World Cup warrior Hanley was “struggling” with the hip injury sustained in last weekend’s painful loss to St Johnstone in Perth, admitted: “I'm going to give him every chance to see how he goes. But looking quite unlikely, I'm being honest.”
Gray also revealed that new signing Marko Ivezic won’t be available to fill in at centre-half because of illness, the gaffer confessing: “So we are a bit stretched defensively, which is something we just need to pick up the pieces. It helps that Jack Iredale is coming back from suspension. So we are stretched, a lot of moving parts. But that's something we just need to contend with.”
Elding is a more complicated situation, with the youngster having been blasted in training at East Mains on Thursday. Gray, asked if the former Sligo Rovers forward was still injured, explained yesterday: “Well, technically he's not, because we pushed him this week.
“We pushed him a lot yesterday to see exactly how he would be, knowing that he wouldn't train today. So there's still a chance he's available for tomorrow, as long as he's not had a reaction.
“He hasn't trained today, but that doesn't mean he's not available as a sort of emergency or sub tomorrow. Thankfully, he came through yesterday with no reaction. Today feels fine.
“So all being well, he's going to be down in the squad, but very limited in terms of what he can actually do at this moment in time. Because one thing he can't do is take a risk, certainly with someone like that at this stage of the season.
“But at the same time, we know where we are in terms of where the squad's at and what's at stake at the weekend. So it's definitely a fine balance and we'll just see exactly where he is tomorrow when he wakes up.”
Nicky Cadden is fit to feature after getting his first 15 minutes of the season in Perth on Sunday, although Gray stressed: “Whether he could go and play 90 minutes or not would be a risk probably at this stage because of the amount of minutes he's had in them.”
Here’s how we think Hibs will line up as they chase a first Hampden semi-final appearance since season 2023-24:
1. GK Raphael Sallinger
Could really do with a clean sheet. Not easy with an ever-changing back line, but essential today. | SNS Group
2. RB Felix Passlack
German fullback has struggled defensively in last two outings. Needs to fix that AND carry on contributing in attack. Tough gig. | SNS Group
3. CB Jason Kerr
Summer signing has had to grow into leadership role quickly. Will be essential if Grant Hanley doesn't make it because of injury. | SNS Group
4. CB/LB Jack Iredale
Won't lack motivation to do well, with his most recent outing ending a derby red card. Assuming Hanley won't be risked, he'll be needed either at centre-half or left back. | SNS Group