David Gray has provided the latest on Miguel Chaiwa and Jamie McGrath who both picked up knocks at Celtic Park last weekend.
“Miguel came off against Celtic with his hamstring. We sent him for a scan and that came back showing the injury wasn’t too significant, which is a positive. We will try and give him every chance, and he wants to give himself every chance too, which shows the character he is.
“Jamie has trained but we will be seeing how his Achilles reacts to that. We won’t take any risks at this stage, but naturally with the magnitude of the game, players want to be involved.
“Rocky is back and trained well this week; it’s great to have him back. Joe Newell has trained with the group this week, which is positive for him. He’s not available for selection yet, but it’s good to have him around the boys this week. He’s been driving the standard, but he needs to have another couple of weeks of training with the boys.
“Alasana isn’t back yet, but he’s been on the grass with the physios. After the international break we will be in a better place on that front.”
Hibs go into the game unbeaten in the William Hill Premiership and full of confidence having won their last two outings against their city rivals.
Gray – a man well aware of the blood and thunder of Edinburgh Derby matches – admitted there’s been a real zip in training ahead of the Hearts game, and is excited about the match on Saturday.
“We’re going into it in a good place,” said our Head Coach. “We’re undefeated in the league, we know where we need to get better, but this has been a brilliant game to look forward too. The boys are all looking forward to it, and I’ve felt that in training as well.
“The Derby is about the team that settles first; it’s fast, frantic, and emotional. We know what’s at stake for us and the supporters. For Hibs fans, they should be looking forward to it, I certainly am. There’s certainly no better place to go and try to win a game of football.
“I’ve been preparing the players for what to expect. The players who have played in an Edinburgh Derby before have been speaking to some of the new players and telling them what to expect too. Our game plan is there, and the players know we have to go there and deliver that. If we can do that, then I believe we have the best chance of getting three points.
“We take a lot of confidence from going there last time and winning as that’s something that hadn’t been done for a period of time. We both have slightly different sides now, but it proves that even though we need to be at our best to get the result, it can be done.
“The players have all the incentives they need to put in a good performance and get three points.”
