Calderwood claims Hibs have cover for suspended Dickoh

Hibs boss Colin Calderwood today claimed he had plenty of options after Francis Dickoh's red card left a gaping hole in the centre of his defence.

The Ghanaian internationalist will automatically miss Sunday's crunch SPL clash with fellow strugglers St Mirren after being controversially sent off as the Easter Road outfit picked up three vital points with a 2-1 win over Kilmarnock.

Initially referee Steve Conroy waved play on having viewed Dickoh's challenge on Killie striker Kieran Agard from only five yards away, but on the advice of his assistant Keith Sorbie he changed his mind, awarded a penalty and flashed the red card at the clearly stunned former Utrecht star. Jamie Hamill converted the spot-kick to leave Hibs, who had been leading by two goals from Akpo Sodje and Victor Palsson, to fight out the final 19 minutes a man short.

Now Calderwood, aware he'll be missing utility man Ian Murray who begins a two-match ban, will have to field a patched-up defence against the Buddies.

Icelandic Under-21 midfielder Palsson, who filled in as a makeshift centre-half against Killie, appears favourite to step back, Calderwood having revealed he's seen the former Liverpool youngster operate in that position in the past.

However, Calderwood pointed out he also had Steven Thicot and David Stephens, 19, to consider although the teenager has only enjoyed a few minutes of first team action under the new manager – as a striker.

Deciding who will partner Scotland Under-21 captain Paul Hanlon in central defence will no doubt exercise Calderwood's mind for much of the week, but he said: "I have seen Victor play there a couple of times before.

"We've got big David Stephens and Steven Thicot so we still have people who can play there."

Admitting Dickoh's dismissal set up a "really exciting" finale as Hibs battled for back-to-back wins for the first time in three months, Calderwood was naturally delighted to see his team hold on to widen the gap over basement outfit Hamilton to eight points.

Claiming the award of a penalty to Kilmarnock would have been sufficient punishment for Dickoh's challenge, the Hibs boss said: "It looked quite innocuous but we end up with a penalty against us, a goal against and the sending off which really made it exciting.

"But there was terrific spirit shown by everyone."