Joe Newell gives update on semi-final fitness race as midfielder hails Gogic, Hallberg, and Irvine

Joe Newell is hopeful of being fit to face St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup semi-final

The classy midfielder sat out Hibs’ 2-0 win against Kilmarnock at the weekend but is targeting a return to training ahead of the Hampden showdown.

Speaking after an own goal by Alan Power and a stunning strike by Alex Gogic had handed the Easter Road side their first three points of 2021 the 27-year-old suggested that he could be back in training by the middle of this week.

Newell said: “I've got a few more days of rehab then hopefully back to training middle of the week; maybe Wednesday or Thursday, so I should be fine for the semi-final.

"After the heartache of the Hearts game, and how it happened, and the devastation we all felt afterwards it would be great to get to a final.”

Midfield battle

Competition for midfield places could be fierce ahead of the last-four encounter following impressive displays by Gogic and Melker Hallberg, while new signing Jackson Irvine is also likely to feature at the national stadium.

Stevie Mallan and Kyle Magennis will also be hoping to give head coach Jack Ross food for thought in training this week.

Newell continued: “It was good to see Gogic get his goal and I though him and Melker did really well in the middle of the pitch throughout the game.

"Melker was terrific in the first half and Goga was really good seeing the game out, breaking things down – doing what he does best.”

Irvine introduction

Australian internationalist Irvine made his debut just days after signing a deal until the end of the season and played 73 minutes in the No.10 role.

Newell added: “Jackson's had a long spell without playing so it was always going to be a tough ask for him to come in and play 90 minutes at the standard he expects from himself but I thought he showed a few good touches, and there was some nice link-up play with Kevin Nisbet in the first half.

"Once he gets up to speed and he's sharper he'll be a good addition.”

Turning the corner

Victory against Kilmarnock came five days after a late Nisbet goal earned the Hibees a share of the spoils at Celtic Park and Newell believes that the Capital club has turned a corner after consecutive home losses to Ross County and Livingston over New Year. Aberdeen's heavy defeat at Ross County coupled with Hibs’ victory also returned the Easter Road side to third spot.

He said: “We had a little bit of a sticky spell just after Christmas with the two home defeats but the point at Celtic might just have been the turning point for us.

"[Beating Kilmarnock] was a big win, an important win, and it lets us go into next week full of confidence.

"Certain points in the season can swing it for you. We know we weren't up to scratch in the two defeats so it was important to bounce back.

"Our home form needs to be good if we want to be where we think we should be come the end of the season. We just have to keep our performances up and we can take that third spot.”

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