Hibs Q&A: Mood of camp, new deals for Marciano and Newell, Allan privacy - Moira Gordon answers YOUR questions

It’s the eve of one the biggest derbies in years as Hibs take on Hearts in Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final.

Hibs are in excellent form ahead of Saturday's showdown with Hearts.

We’ve put our Hibs specialist Moira Gordon up for press today, taking social media questions from the Hibs support. Here’s what she’s had to say …

Q: Do you think Jamie Murphy or Drey Wright will make it?: There is a good chance that both will be in the reckoning. My understanding is that they were close to a return last weekend but due to the proximity and importance of tomorrow’s game, and concern about the plastic pitch at Kilmarnock, coaching and medical staff felt it was wise to give them a bit more time. As far as I’m aware, there have been no set-backs this week.

Q: Will Jack go with a back three or a back four?: Although he has played three at the back on a few couple of occasions this season, when he has had his first-choice players available he has tended to start with a four-man defence and I expect him to do so again, aware that the personnel gives him the option of tweaking that, if necessary. He knows that Robbie Neilson likes to have width in his side so, with the likes of Murphy or Wright and Martin Boyle on either flank, Ross already has attacking options on the flanks and is unlikely to feel the need to over commit. A solid defensive display has been the foundation for much of the success this season.

Q: What's the mood like within the camp ahead of the game?: As has been the case throughout most of the campaign, there is a quiet confidence. No-one is chest-thumping but there is a sense that the players trust each other and the fact they have proved so difficult to beat in most games has inflated that belief. They have shown that they can grind out results even when not at their best and unlike players in the past, it is easier to believe the current squad when they tell you that they don’t fear Hearts. Last month’s performance against Rangers was also a massive confidence boost and gives them something to draw on.

Q: How close is Kevin Nisbet to a Scotland call up?: He has to be very close, if he keeps doing what he is doing. A grafter and selfless striker, as well as a finisher, he ticks a lot of boxes for Steve Clarke although Lyndon Dykes’ breakthrough performances makes him the man in possession. Leigh Griffiths’ return could also be a barrier, and Lawrence Shankland is also in there. But if Clarke wants to go with two up front then Nisbet should be in with a shout. But he is still pretty young and has time on his side.

Q: What's the situation with Marciano - have we opened talks for a new contract?: There have been preliminary talks and both parties are keen to extend but with uncertainty over covid, the international break, and plenty of other things to deal with, it has been a busy time. No-one is in a mad rush but there appears to be a quiet understanding that an agreement can be reached.

Q: Joe Newell needs a new deal - please tell me this is happening?: Having tied Paul McGinn into a longer-term contract, the next on the list are Newell and Marciano. The revitalised and in-form midfielder has been a pivotal player this season, in open play and from set pieces and his value to the team has not gone unnoticed by his boss, who believes there is even more improvement to come from the Englishman.

Q: What's happening with Scott Allan?: The club and the player have asked for privacy on this one. Given that it is a personal health issue, it is only right that we respect that. There should be more information released soon but, in the meantime, Allan has been doing some scouting work ahead of the semi-final and remains a familiar face around the training ground.

Q: How bad is Stevenson's injury?: The ankle strain is too bad and it is unlikely to keep him sidelined for long but time has not been his friend in regards to the semi-final. Given the magnitude of this weekend’s derby semi-final, he had hoped to push through but, in this case, time is the healer and that now looks unlikely. But he shouldn’t be a long-term absentee.

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