Jack Ross remaining tight-lipped over Hibs' injury concerns ahead of Scottish Cup semi final

Keeping his cards close to his chest, Hibs manager Jack Ross is determined not to offer his Hearts counterpart Robbie Neilson easy insight into his line-up for tomorrow’s hugely-significant Capital derby.

Hibs winger Jamie Murphy chats with manager Jack Ross. Photo by Craig Williamson/SNS Group

The Edinburgh sides come face-to-face at the semi-final stage of last season’s outstanding Scottish Cup tournament and while it is well known that a few regular starters are involved in a race against time to be fit for the Hampden showdown, the Easter Road gaffer refused to give away too many details.

Teasing that one or two could be in contention, he added that the likelihood was a couple of others would not. “But that’s as much as you’re getting’,” he said.

A man who has been fortunate to field a fairly recognisable starting XI in the opening dozen league games, international call-ups and injuries forced his hand for the recent League Cup group games.

Scott Allan is a long-term absentee, but Lewis Stevenson, Jamie Murphy and Drey Wright have all been working towards a timely return, as the Leith side attempt to progress to the December final.

Stevenson picked up his ankle injury just last weekend in his side’s 1-0 win over Kilmarnock, and could run out of time, but there is cover, in the guise of young Josh Doig, who started the league campaign brightly.

The prognosis appears more buoyant in the more advanced wing position. Murphy would be first choice on the left side of the Hibs midfield, if he wins the battle with a recent hamstring strain, but if he fails to make it then a recovered Wright would step in and fill that role.