Hibs to probe bust-up pair

HIBS today insisted they'll deal internally with a training ground bust-up which reportedly left Easter Road youngster Sean Welsh with a suspected broken jaw.

The 21-year-old midfielder was taken to hospital with a facial injury after clashing with team-mate Martin Scott at the club's Borders "boot camp."

Other members of Colin Calderwood's squad rushed to separate the pair leaving the Hibs boss pondering what disciplinary action to take.

Today a club spokesman confirmed there was an injury sustained by a player on the training ground before adding: "We will deal with the matter internally."

Meanwhile, Hibs were today bracing themselves for further speculation over the future of Calderwood after Chris Hughton was appointed manager of Birmingham City following Alex McLeish's shock exit to take over at city rivals Aston Villa.

Calderwood was Hughton's No.?2 at Newcastle United before quitting to succeed John Hughes in the Easter Road hot-seat last October.

Only yesterday Hibs were forced to issue a "hands off" warning to Nottingham Forest as rumours suggesting Calderwood was poised for a return to the City Ground to become new manager Steve McClaren's assistant reached fever pitch.

Denying there had been an official approach from Forest for the man they sacked after two-and-a-half years at the helm during which he led them from League One and into the Championship, Hibs insisted no such move would be welcomed.

However, a reunion between the former Spurs team-mates has remained a topic for speculation and came to the fore when Hughton was reported to be in line to take over at West Bromwich Albion.

Further gossip now that he has taken charge at Birmingham is inevitable but like the Forest connection won't be welcomed at Easter Road where such talk is seen as an unwanted distraction - as is yesterday's incident - during what is the squad's first week of pre-season training.