Hibs: Sean Mackie close to comeback | Joe Newell latest | Unfamiliar face in training

Player has been sidelined since January

Sean Mackie (left) and Stephen McGinn (right) train alongsid striker Christian Doidge at the Hibernian Training Centre

Hibs defender Sean Mackie has made a return to training as he steps up his recovery from a six-month layoff.

The 21-year-old has been sidelined since early January after suffering a foot injury while on loan at Dundee, but took part in some light running at East Mains at the start of this week.

It is hoped that the left-back will be able to resume full training in the coming days.

Mackie featured in Hibs’ Betfred Cup group wins against Arbroath and Elgin City last summer, deputising for the injured Lewis Stevenson, and featured in the opening day win against St Mirren at Easter Road before being sent off in the 6-1 defeat at Rangers the following weekend.

He linked up with former Hibs captain James McPake at Dens Park in September last year after agreeing a season-long loan switch, and played 13 times in all competitions for the Championship side before sustaining the injury.

Newell boost

Midfielder Joe Newell has returned to full training after shaking off the niggling injury that disrupted his first season with Hibs.

The former Rotherham United man notched eight assists and one goal in 24 games in green and white last term and his versatility will give head coach Jack Ross increased options in the middle of the park going into the new season. The 27-year-old capped his return to full training with a goal in yesterday’s 2-1 win over Hamilton Accies at Easter Road.

Fellow midfielder Stevie Mallan, who last featured in the Boxing Day win against Hearts at Tynecastle, is also back in training after recovering from knee surgery and was a second-half substitute in the bunce game.

McGinn latest

Meanwhile, midfielder Stephen McGinn, brother of current Hibs defender Paul and former Easter Road fans’ favourite John, is still training with the Capital club.

The 31-year-old played under Ross at St Mirren and is a free agent after leaving the Buddies at the end of last season.

He has been taking part in pre-season sessions at East Mains since the start of July after being offered training facilities to maintain his fitness.