No Weakened Hibs For Final Derby

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon sees no need to rest any of his stars for the final Edinburgh Derby with many fans hoping Messrs Griffiths, Harris, McPake and Claros can come through a no doubt brutal 90 minute battle unscathed.

Supporters have been split in the run up to the game as to whether the Hibs gaffer should play a weakened side with the Scottish Cup Final barely two weeks away with some believing Jambo’s coach Gary Locke may instruct some of his less than delicate players to deliberately those who are seen as key to Hibs chances of springing a surprise on 26th May.

Fenlon however sees no problem in sending out his strongest side possible as Hibs aim to complete the season undefeated against their city rivals following three draws and a 1-0 victory in the Scottish Cup.

The last time Hibs remained undefeated throughout a campaign against Hearts was back in 2000/01 whilst Alex McLeish was in charge at Easter Road.

The Hibs boss is refusing to rest on his laurels and stated “I know what the derby means to everyone. We have done all right against Hearts this year so we would obviously like to keep that going. Our record over there isn`t fantastic so we would like to change that with a win.”

In fact, Hibees record at Tynecastle makes for dismal reading in the recent past with Derek Riordan’s penalty some four years ago the last triumph for the Leith outfit at the home of their Capital neighbours.

There are injury concerns over Ryan McGivern for the visitors after the on-loan Manchester City player hobbled from the abandoned SPL clash against Kilmarnock last weekend with Lewis Stevenson poised to deputise.

The Jambo’s see a return to action for Captain Andy Webster following his suspension after being dismissed against Dundee a fortnight ago however Danny Wilson and Michael Ngoo, both loanees from Liverpool, are rated in the doubtful category.

Despite the home side reducing prices for the match there are still a few tickets available for the hosts whilst Hibs will continue to sell their allocation until close of business on Saturday.