Joe Newell will miss Hibernian’s trip to St Mirren after tweaking a groin issue in training while mystery surrounds the selection of Kevin Nisbet after his aborted deadline day move to Birmingham City.
The 13-goal forward is reported to have handed in a transfer request in an attempt to force Hibs’ hand in accepting a near £3 million offer from the English Championship side only for the Easter Road side to turn that down.
Manager Jack Ross made a “judgement call” in leaving Nisbet and defender Ryan Porteous out of his starting XI for the win over Dundee United on Saturday.
It remains to be seen whether Tuesday’s visit to Paisley against a buoyant Buddies side still celebrating their historic win at Celtic will prompt a repeat of that scenario.
Newell, who is out of contract at the end of the campaign, remains a player Hibs are keen to retain, but he suffered a setback in his bid to return from an injury suffered in the 1-1 draw with Celtic earlier this month
The midfielder trained last week, but aggravated the problem in Friday’s session and may now face a longer period on the sidelines.
Meanwhile, Jamie Gullan and Stevie Mallan completed loan moves to Raith Rovers and Yeni Malatyaspor respectively on deadline day.
Predicted line up
Ross could well stick with the winning formula that took three points from Tannadice at the weekend, though much of his team selection will likely depend on Nisbet and Porteous’ frame of mind.
If he does decide it is to be more of the same, the three man line up of Darren McGregor, Paul Hanlon and Paul McGinn should start in front of Ofir Marciano, supplemented by Chris Cadden and Josh Doig as the two wide men in what will effectively be a 3-4-3 when in possession and a more conventional back five without the ball.
Jackson Irvine’s probing runs from midfield and incisive passing proved too much for United, with the Aussie expected to continue in the centre of the pitch with Gogic.
Jamie Murphy and Boyle, who scored for the first time in ten games against the Tangerines, should support Christian Doidge in the number nine role.
Scott Allan and Kyle Magennis are likely options off the bench alongside Nisbet and Porteous in what will be an intriguing selection.
Predicted line up in full: Marciano, McGregor, Hanlon, McGinn, Doig, Cadden, Gogic, Irvine, Murphy, Boyle, Doidge
