Hughes urges Riordan to put disciplinary trouble in past

Riordan was left behind in Edinburgh as Hughes' players took on Blackburn Rovers in the first leg of a double-header in Lancashire but is now expected to play in Bolton goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen's Testimonial Match at the Reebok Stadium.

After spending the night in police spells following an altercation outside a Capital nightclub in the early hours of Sunday morning, the 26-year-old was disciplined by the club and, although it was stated the measures taken would remain private, Hughes admitted the penalty included omission from Wednesday night's 0-0 draw at Ewood Park.

Riordan trained at East Mains yesterday as Hibs worked out at Blackburn's Academy, but Hughes has welcomed him back into the fold hoping his striker has learned from what has happened.

He said: "Obviously there is a code of conduct and Derek has had his punishment. He is an integral part of the squad, some of the stuff he does on the training pitch in terms of finishing, striking, putting the ball in the back of the net comes naturally to him. I don't know what other people's perceptions are of Derek, mine are that he is a lovely lad who just wants to go and play football. I feel when he walks on to a football pitch he is in a sanctuary where no-one can get to him and that is when he is at his best.

"So it's been an episode he has to learn from, he has to keep his head down and keep doing the business. He's a marvellous talent and this is a big year for him."

Asked if he felt Riordan might have a point to prove tomorrow, Hughes retorted: "I think everyone has."

The return of Riordan will increase Hughes' options up front, Colin Nish asked to plough a lone furrow at Ewood Park with both Jonatan Johansson and Kurtis Byrne ruled out through injury.

While Irish youngster Byrne continues to recover from minor surgery, Finnish international Johansson has trained with the squad following a thigh problem and is expected to play some part in the match honouring his countryman's 11 years with Bolton.

Goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay took a knock against Blackburn but trained yesterday as Sol Bamba sat out the session with a stiff neck and Danny Galbraith was forced to drop out with a sore left knee. Paul Hanlon, though, is expected to return after recovering from an ankle knock.

While delighted with the way his players knocked the ball about against Blackburn, Hughes admitted it will be a big test for his players to reproduce that performance against a team which finished 13th in the Premier League last season, two places above their near-neighbours.

But he believes that the style of play he and assistant Brian Rice want to see played is beginning to come together.

He said: "I think it was evident at Blackburn in terms of where we started and where we are now.

"However, it doesn't matter who you are playing against, you have to earn the right to play and to do that you have to be spirited, trust each other and most of all everyone knows the standards set. The points which disappointed me against Preston North End last Saturday provided the basis of my team talk on Wednesday, that we know the standards and the way we are trying to go."

Hibs will be supported by more than 2,000 fans tomorrow with Bolton sending a further 500 tickets north after the initial allocation of 1500 sold out. Sales were still said to be going well and with other fans expected to turn up on the day – there will be cash gates in operation – Jaaskelainen's Testimonial Fund, of which every penny will go to charity, will receive a welcome boost.

Fans arriving from Edinburgh by road have been allocated car park A at the Reebok and, although entry will be free, supporters will be asked to make a donation of 2 per car and 10 per coach towards the goalkeeper's fund.