Hibs boss relishing McCann being back on pitch

Hughes had high hopes for the 22-year-old when he started the first match of the season having been dogged by a knee problem which had restricted him to just one first-team appearance in almost 18 months.

Two painful courses of injections failed to cure the tendinosis in his right knee, forcing the right-back to go under the surgeon's knife. McCann worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation, even while on holiday in Egypt last summer. And his determination appeared to pay off when he made the starting line-up for the visit of St Mirren on the opening day of the season. But McCann's injury jinx struck again as he was troubled by a hamstring problem.

Although he has yet to have another taste of the action, McCann has been on the bench twice in recent weeks and today Hughes revealed he's looking for the defender, and others who have been on the fringes this season, to play their part as Hibs make that final push.

While some have seen right-back as a problem area, David Wotherspoon having impressed in his first season of top flight football despite being played out of position, Hughes insisted that, with Darren McCormack and the return of McCann, he does, contrary to the views of some, have plenty of cover.

He said: "Kevin has had a hard time with injuries. He has been very unfortunate but is getting there again. He is a high quality player, a real prospect, and hopefully I can give him the confidence to go back in there and grab the opportunity. Kevin is looking good and to have him back would be like having a new player."