Hibs face Rangers on Monday night and in terms of team news, head coach David Gray has revealed that injury-wise, it’s wholly positive with a number of players returning to full training this week.
Speaking to Hibs TV ahead of the game Gray said: “The only one who’s definitely out is Rudi Molotnikov. He could be back quicker, which is really positive. He’s back on the grass with the physios. Nicky Cadden is still a doubt.
“Jordan Obita and Thibault Klidje have both fully trained. Alasana Manneh has had an extra full week in training, Joe Newell has got more minutes as has Dylan Levitt, so we’re certainly healthier than we were a few weeks ago.”
Gray is waiting for full confirmation on which of his African Cup of Nations players will be available and has been in conversation with the nations of Rocky Bushiri, Miguel Chaiwa, and Jordan Obita regarding a delayed release.
Hibs go into the game buoyed from their emphatic 3-0 win over Falkirk last weekend.
He added: “We want to start the game well. We want the players to be brave and bold on the play, and to play the way we want to play. We want to be on the front foot, aggressive with and without the ball, and if we can do that then it gives us the best possible chance to win the game.
“The challenge to the players is to go there, play to our levels, and try to win the game.
“Training has been positive and we’re all looking forward to the game. Quarter to eight kick-off under the lights at Ibrox will be a brilliant atmosphere and the players are all ready for it.”
Hibs have faced Rangers twice already this season, narrowly losing them both and Gray detailed what he has learnt from both those outings.
“The first game against Rangers at Ibrox was one time this season where we didn’t play to our level. They were the better team on the night, and we knew we could’ve done a lot better.
“The home game at Easter Road – there wasn’t much in that game. It was determined by fine margins and we missed a penalty. There’s a lot to look at in every game and you always want to improve and build from it.
“We’ve given ourselves a brilliant platform to build on from the 3-0 victory over Falkirk, so from a confidence point of view, we’re in a good place.
“The gameplan will be there for the players, we know it’ll be difficult because under the new manager their domestic form has been good, so it will be a tough test.
“There’s not been much between the two sides this season though. If we can play to our levels, I think we can go there and win the game.”
