A number of Hibs regulars are heading into make-or-break territory in the season ahead, with some big names and stalwart performers among those entering the final year of their existing contracts. And, with more signings on the way, competition for places is only likely to increase between now and the later-than-usual Deadline Day of September 3.
As David Gray looks to improve on last season’s fifth-place finish in the Scottish Premiership, balancing domestic demands with ambitions to progress in the UEFA Conference League, he’ll need plenty of bodies at his disposal. As things stand, he doesn’t lack for numbers.
With the players back in pre-season training and the first friendly less than a week away, we look at the full group available to the Easter Road gaffer, picking out those on short-time contracts - and assessing their place in the pecking order heading to the new campaign:
25. CF Ante Suto
January signing certainly made an impact. Will be looking for more game time from the start. | SNS Group
26. CF Martin Boyle
How will the inspirational Hibs icon react to his World Cup absence? Signed a one-year deal at the very end of last season. Hopefully he's first up and ready to prove a few people wrong ... | Getty Images
27. CF Thibault Klidje
Not so much at a crossroads as needing to leap over a few ditches just to get back on the road. Club record signing had an awful first season, including being sent out on loan in January. Needs to justify that £1.5 million price tag. Quickly. | SNS Group