Hibs head into tomorrow’s home clash with Kilmarnock well aware that only a victory will suffice, if they’re to at least maintain some degree of pressure on Motherwell in the race for guaranteed European football. Which makes it all the more vital that David Gray has a full squad to choose from.
His team currently six points adrift of fourth place, and with fifth only delivering UEFA qualification in conjunction with a Scottish Cup win for Celtic, Gray knows to expect a difficult test against opponents steadily moving themselves well clear of the relegation zone under the guidance of new manager Neil McCann. The home side at Easter Road will need to be at their very best, after back-to-back goalless draws against Livingston and Motherwell, to extend their Scottish Premiership unbeaten run to half a dozen straight games.
Miles in the legs - and miles in the air - will likely be a factor, with the Aussie pair of Martin Boyle and Ante Suto not back at East Mains until today after their Socceroos involvement in Sydney and Melbourne. Miguel Chaiwa trained fully, which is a relief for Gray, while one or two others are still nursing minor knocks.
Here’s how we think Hibs will line up for a must-win fixture:
9. CAM Jamie McGrath
Irish playmaker is crucial to how Hibs break opponents down. A certain starter, when fit. | SNS Group
10. CF Martin Boyle
Both Boyle and Ante Suto only returned to training today, having travelled halfway across the world for Socceroos duty. The veteran forward is well-practiced in dealing with jet lag, so should be fit to start. | SNS Group
11. CF Owen Elding
Assuming he's fit to return to the starting XI, the 20-year-old brings a different sort of energy to the front line - and probably deserves the nod ahead of Suto, Dane Scarlett or Elie Youan. | SNS Group