Hibs get Murray fitness boost

IAN MURRAY looks set to hand new boss Colin Calderwood a boost by declaring himself fit for this weekend's clash with Aberdeen.

The versatile Hibs player has been out of action for the past six weeks with a hip and groin problem which has required a series of injections to help cure it.

While Murray played against Slovenian side NK Maribor in the Europa League qualifiers, he was suspended for the first two matches of the SPL season.

His only other game time this season came when he was brought off the bench for the final 20 minutes of the 1-0 defeat to St Mirren at the end of August.

Last Saturday's game against Kilmarnock at Easter Road came just to soon for the 29-year-old but he is expected to be available for selection for the trip to Pittodrie.

Striker Derek Riordan picked up a knock in the first ten minutes of the win over Kilmarnock but has managed to take some part in training and is expected to be fit for the game against Mark McGhee's side this Saturday lunchtime.

Calderwood said: "Ian has been training with us this week, everyone we thought would be involved was able to train, so we were happy with that.

"Everyone who trained is available to play, although, obviously, Ian has been out for a little while.

"Derek started the session but didn't finish it. A few of the boys were in for rehab work and things like that yesterday so, hopefully, they will all be involved in full sessions by the end of the week.

"I feel that I have had a nice response from the players so far, it's still very early days, obviously, and there's a lot of work to be done to get to know them and for them to get to know me. Their attitude in the sessions that we have had so far has been first class, and that is what I am looking for."