McPake_warmup

Hibs go into tonight’s Europa League Qualifying tie against Swedish League Leaders Malmo with a number of key players doubtful due to injuries.

Pat Fenlon will need to shuffle the back four with both first choice full backs unavailable.

Right back Tim Clancy is still recovering from a close season groin operation, whilst left back Ryan McGivern has also been ruled out after suffering a knock against Raith Rovers last Friday night.

With Fraser Mullen also injured, Lewis Stevenson is likely to take over at right back with Paul Hanlon moving to left back, leaving James McPake and Jordon Forster in the centre of the defence.

To add to the woes, teenage winger Alex Harris is also a doubt after suffering a thigh injury against Raith Rovers.

New signings Owain Tudur Jones and Liam Craig are expected to start in midfield.

Up front, Rowan Vine is likely to make his debut for the club, despite a lack of match fitness.

The game kicks off at 7pm local time; 6pm BST.

Photograph www.jcmackintosh.co.uk

+ posts

John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.