Hibs: Martin Scott left out for his own protection

COLIN CALDERWOOD has revealed he pulled Martin Scott out of the clash with St Johnstone rather than risk losing the midfield powerhouse long-term.

The 25-year-old was in the squad for the trip to McDiarmid Park, although not guaranteed a place in the starting line-up, but picked up a knock in training the day before.

And that was enough for Easter Road boss Calderwood to leave him out, revealing: "Scott suffered a dead leg that stiffened up and got worse overnight.

"It was one of those, he could have played or could have been on the bench. But if he'd taken a whack on it and, having seen the game, I am sure he would have, it could have had major complications for him and it would have been a long-term recovery process."

As it is, the former Livingston and Ross County star will have a further eight days to overcome his injury with Hibs not in action again until they travel to face title-chasing Celtic in Glasgow a week tomorrow.

And Calderwood will be hoping the rest will prove beneficial to his squad after a testing run of three games in eight days, not least for 19-year-old Callum Booth who, he admitted, was running on empty in Perth.

The youngster has been an ever-present since making his debut against Ayr United in the Scottish Cup, his stunning performances winning him the Clydesdale Bank Young Player of the Month Award for February.

Calderwood, however, agreed the Scotland Under-21 cap had been far from his best on the rutted McDiarmid Park pitch as Hibs fought back to snatch a point and extend their unbeaten run to six matches.

He said: "It was an example of a young player just running out of fuel."