Key player returns to Hibs training as young striker joins in first team session

Hibs have been handed a boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Tannadice with influential midfielder Joe Newell returning to training.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined since he was forced off with injury during the 1-1 draw against Celtic in Glasgow. He missed the subsequent matches against Kilmarnock, St Johnstone in the Betfred Cup semi-final, and the midweek home defeat by Rangers.

While the game against Dundee United may come too soon for the former Rotherham man, he could be back for Tuesday night’s game at St Mirren.

Newell has one goal and three assists from 23 appearances so far this season.

Joe Newell takes part in training at East Mains

Youngster takes part in training

Meanwhile, young striker Josh O’Connor was put through his paces alongside the first team at East Mains on Friday.

The 17-year-old is the son of former Hibs and Scotland striker Garry O’Connor, and was one of seven Academy graduates to sign their first professional deals with the Capital club earlier this month.

O’Connor junior joined the club’s youth set-up as a ten-year-old and featured for the Under-18 team when he was still only 14.

Josh O'Connor pictured at East Mains

His involvement with the first team doesn’t necessarily mean that he will be parachuted into a matchday squad any time soon but Jack Ross is a big believer in rewarding younger players’ effort by inviting them to train with the first-team squad.

Young goalkeeper Murray Johnson is a regular feature in first-team training and in matchday warm-ups while the likes of Callum Yeats and Ryan Shanley featured prominently during pre-season training before heading out on loan.

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