Hibs skipper Ian Murray set to make return to training

The 30-year-old has been out of action since the derby with Capital rivals Hearts on January 2, heading to Leicester for an operation to cure the groin problem which had been plaguing him for months.

Murray had tried to “manage” the problem with injections and rest in a bid to avoid surgery, but was forced to go down that route, using the same specialist who had carried out a similar operation on the right side of his groin two years ago.

The utility man described the op as “fairly minor” and involving the removal of a ligament on the left side of his groin which it was hoped would remove the pain he’d been suffering. But as with the previous operation, everything has gone to plan and he’s now ready to step up his rehabilitation programme.

Fenlon said: “Ian’s back running and he’ll maybe join in training next week which is a bit earlier than we thought, and that’s good news.”

There will, however, be no chance of Murray being fit for the William Hill Scottish Cup tie against Kilmarnock next weekend, and with Coventry City defender James McPake having been signed on loan, Fenlon will undoubtedly allow him to fully recover at his own pace.

Meanwhile, 19-year-old midfielder Lewis Horner has extended his loan stay East Stirlingshire until the end of the season.

Horner made his first-team debut for Hibs last May, but, with opportunities scarce, he was loaned out to the Third Division club where he will now stay alongside young Easter Road goalkeeper Calum Antell.