Hibs down to 'bare bones' as Patrick Cregg joins growing injury list

Hibs could be missing as many seven first-team regulars for the trip to Parkhead, with midfielder Patrick Cregg the latest to join what is becoming a lengthy injury list. The Irishman played through the pain of a toe problem at Hamilton last weekend but has not trained all week, joining captain Chris Hogg, Paul Hanlon, David Wotherspoon, Merouane Zemmama and Alan Gow in the treatment room.

Liam Miller is also suspended for this weekend's match in which Hibs will attempt to arrest a slide that has seen them win just two of their past 15 games in all competitions, putting them in danger of surrendering a Europa League spot.

Hughes told his club's official website, www.hibernianfc.co.uk: "We are down to the bare bones, but I've said that I can't give them an excuse because I would like to think that every player at this club shows the desire and application to get themselves into the first team – and when you get the opportunity, you have to take it. I know it is a big ask for us from now to the end of the season in terms of injuries, suspensions – but everyone has a part to play.

"If we do it right, we can get back to winning and we can get that European slot. We have five cup finals between now and the end of the season. We have to work on how we get back to being resolute, keeping clean sheets and scoring goals. We will do everything it takes to achieve that – anything we can possibly do to reignite that spark in the side again.

"Celtic winning that match has kept Motherwell two points behind us so now we have to take care of our own business on Saturday – it's that simple, we can't rely on anyone else now.

Hughes also confirmed that Zemmama had surgery in London on Tuesday in a bid to cure the knee problem which has ended his season.