Hibernian central defender James McPake has issued a rallying cry ahead of Sunday’s Edinburgh Derby and insists he’ll be fit enough should boss Terry Butcher look to him.
McPake has been absent from the starting line up since October last year but made a goalscoring return in Tuesday’s 3-3 Under 20’s clash against Dunfermline at East End Park.
Despite an injury plagued spell since he signed for the club on a permanent basis during the summer of 2012, the former Coventry and Livingston player claims he’s back to full fitness having taken part in training for the past 5 weeks.
McPake’s return would be a welcome boost for the Hibs management team having watched their side ship easy goals in recent weeks and the former skipper is itching to make his comeback in Sunday’s big game.
The 29 year old, who’s deal at the club expires in the summer, told the Daily Record “I`d loved to have played in the derby four weeks after my back op never mind this one.
“These are the games you always want to play.
“I was delighted to play 90 minutes in midweek and I certainly hope to feature before the end of the season. That was always my target.
“I`d be very disappointed not to kick a ball for Hibs before the end of the season. I haven`t even spoken to the manager about playing in the derby nor have I been worried about a new contract.
“The main thing for me was getting 90 minutes under my belt and getting fit. I knew physically I would be fine as I have trained solidly for five weeks. I woke up on the Wednesday and felt great.
“I have not encountered any problems and that is thanks to the medical staff at the club.
“I was delighted to score especially as it was after 85 minutes and my legs could still get me up the park for corners at that late stage.
“I will train with the first team for the rest of the week and whatever is to happen will happen.”
Hibs current run of form makes for dismal reading with just 1 win in their last 14 Scottish Premiership matches and McPake has urged the players to show some character to haul themselves out the mess they’re currently in.
He added “We`re in a rut and don`t want to be in this situation. We experienced a similar scenario two years ago and scraped by.
“It`s not a nice position to be in. We have a decent squad of players but we have left ourselves down.
“We need to stick the chests out and show a bit of dig and drag ourselves out of it. We have to be a bit more ruthless and I am confident we can get out of trouble again.
“Hopefully on Sunday we get all three points against Hearts and get the win that will ensure our top-flight safety.”
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