Gret news on Murph for JC

Published on Thursday 8 November 2007 12:05

HIBS boss John Collins breathed a sigh of relief today after David Murphy was declared fit to face SPL basement outfit Gretna on Saturday.

The classy full-back, described by Collins as "Mr Consistency," had been struggling after picking up a painful rib injury in the dying seconds of Sunday's pulsating Edinburgh derby.

Murphy was caught by a rash tackle from Hearts striker Calum Elliot, an action which brought the Tynecastle star a yellow card, and was unable to train in the early part of the week.

But Murphy dispelled any worries over his availability for the trip to Fir Park by rejoining his team-mates for yesterday's session which he completed with no problems.

Collins said: "David took a whack in the ribs when Elliot caught him. His ribs were bruised and, having suffered that sort of injury myself, I know how painful it can be. Thankfully he's fine now and will be available for the weekend."

Winger Filipe Morais will also be in Collins' thoughts after suffering a similar injury to that of Murphy, the former Millwall star having revealed he took painkillers during half-time against Hearts to continue playing.

And Morais' determination to remain on the park delighted Collins who said: "The boys are desperate to get on the park, they want to keep playing and retain their place, no-one wants to miss any games."

One player certain to miss out again this weekend, however, is Moroccan striker Abdessalam Benjelloun.

Although Benji, who hasn't played a first-team game since the beginning of September, has been making optimistic noises about his prospects of facing Gretna, Collins insisted it was far too soon to be talking of a return to top-flight action.

Hibs will travel to Gretna's temporary home with a timely reminder from Collins of how the SPL new boys almost caused a shock when they took a two-goal lead during the first meeting of the season between the clubs in Edinburgh.

Since then Davie Irons' side have slumped to the bottom of the table, six points adrift of Inverness Caledonian Thistle - but Collins insisted that situation shouldn't fool anyone. He said: "Gretna are fighting for survival, they are desperate for points but they have put in some decent performances. They have beaten Dundee United and were within five minutes of defeating Celtic the other week.

"Gretna were unlucky not to get something that day but they have proved they can raise their game. Unfortunately for them they are finding that when you are in their position the breaks always seem to go against you.

"But I am sure they will be fighting, doing everything they can to get those breaks going in their favour.

"I'll certainly be reminding my players of what happened earlier in the season at Easter Road, Gretna going 2-0 up although we put in a fantastic final 24 minutes to win 4-2. We'll be giving them every respect and I'll be warning the boys that they'll under- estimate Gretna at their peril."