How close are Hibs' fringe players to making the cut when first team regulars return to the fold?

Hibs manager Jack Ross used the Betfred Cup matches to give several fringe players game time but the jury is out on whether they did enough to retain their place when team mates return from international duty and injury lay-offs.

Dillon Barnes

To be fair, the on-loan keeper had a tough act to follow when he stepped in to cover for Ofir Marciano, given the fact that the Israeli has had a fabulous start to the season, making spectacular stops and double saves appear de rigueur.

In his absence the Englishman has had a three-game run out but, given relatively little to do, it is hard to judge him. He has conceded twice from free-kicks but still looks a reliable enough back up.

Hibs' Melker Hallberg in action against Cove Rangers during the recent Betfred Cup match. Photo by Ross MacDonald / SNS Group

David Gray

Forever a fans’ favourite at Easter Road, he has been unable to oust Paul McGinn from the right-back spot in the starting line up and there have been questions about his durability now that he is in the autumn of his career. He did successfully make it through three games in a week, albeit in a more central position, and his reading of the game, organisational skills and will to win helped drive his team-mates on. His winner at Forfar showed he still has plenty to contribute, just probably in a more restricted capacity.

Darren McGregor

A guy who has often been described as a no-nonsense, old-fashioned centre-back, his time on the sidelines has done nothing to diminish his combative skills, his aggression and aerial ability but there is no doubt that he is slower and rustier, which is the conundrum. Regular game time would help that but on current form he is unlikely to displace either Ryan Porteous or Paul Hanlon.

Stevie Mallan

In his three cup starts, there have been goals and assists and, from set pieces on the edge of the area, he remains one of the most lethal in the league but it is hard to see how he fits into the most balanced Hibs team. He isn’t as strong as Alex Gogic defensively and lacks the dynamism and athleticism of Joe Newell. There is the need for greater consistency but he can expect fairly regular involvement. For now, though, that is likely to be from the bench.

Melker Hallberg

Written off by many who were unconvinced by his displays in the holding midfielder role, he has shown more aptitude in the past three games, in a more advanced berth and then at right-back, where he helped stablise the defence and offer it some legs. In the more attacking role, despite being shy of match sharpness, his movement saw him find space and provide dangerous crosses, suggesting he can cover a few positions adequately. Unlikely to be a regular first choice starter.

Jamie Gullan

A player with promise, he was starved of supply against Brora and possibly tried just too hard to impress that night. But, looking more relaxed when moved out wide left, he made a more valuable contribution against both Cove Rangers and Forfar. Not the best when asked to hold up play or simply shuttle between centre-halves, he is a confidence player, who has real potential and the more game time he gets the better he will become.

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