Hibs manager John Hughes hoping jags have cured Graham Stack

HIBS goalkeeper Graham Stack could be back in full training in a few days after paying a second visit to a specialist in a bid to cure the back problem which has plagued him over the past six weeks.

The 28-year-old, who'd already had one injection, was given further jags during the consultation in London and now boss John Hughes hopes to see Stack begin the fight to regain the gloves by this time next week.

Hughes said: "It's as we believed, a bulging disc which has been causing Graham this problem. He had another couple of jags which will keep him out for the next seven to ten days.

"But the specialist was delighted with Graham. Now it's a case of him learning how to maintain it, the right exercises and plenty of massage. Hopefully, by the middle of next week, he'll be able to resume full training."

Hughes also hopes by that time it will be a three-way fight for the No.1 jersey between Stack, newcomer Graeme Smith, who has been between the sticks in Hibs' last two matches, and Yves Ma-Kalambay.

The towering Belgian youngster has resumed training having shaken off the hamstring injury incurred during the defeat by Rangers and, if there's no reaction, he could take a seat on the bench for Saturday's visit to Tannadice.

Hughes was at New Douglas Park to see managerless Dundee United close the gap on third-placed Hibs to just two points with David Goodwillie scoring the only goal as the Tayside club appear to have finally put Craig Levein's departure behind them.

He said: "United have good professionals, players who will steady the ship and keep demanding of each other while, in Peter Houston and Gary Kirk, they have two guys who are more than capable of doing the job."