John Hughes must juggle budget to get Alan Gow

HIBS manager John Hughes admits he may have to release a player from his wage bill if he is to follow up his interest in Alan Gow.

The former Falkirk and Rangers forward, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Easter Road, was released by Plymouth last week.

Hughes, who saw his side claim their second 4-0 victory of pre-season when they beat Queen of the South on Tuesday, has signed Michael Hart, David Stephens and Edwin de Graaf this summer.

But the rebuilding of the club's East Stand means there are few other funds left for his playing squad. Hughes said: "I would love to get Alan back but no talks have taken place.

"There has been a lot of work going on at the stadium and it may mean I have to shuffle the pack a bit to try and bring in Alan or anyone else."

Hughes added: "I would love to bring another two or three here, but it's not as simple as that. You just need to look at what is happening in the world.

"There has to be an understanding from the supporters, as we are probably the only club in Britain that is building at the moment with the recession.

"All credit to the board of directors, not just building that big beautiful stand, but relaying the pitch and extending the undersoil heating. There has been a lot of finance that has gone into that. We've not entered talks with Alan, I just keep in touch with Gowser and said 'I'll see what I can do for you'.

"But I've made him fully aware of the situation. Basically, we could be full up at this moment in time. We'd maybe have to shuffle the pack for that to happen."

Meanwhile, Hughes says he has been very encouraged by the progress of his players since they returned to training two weeks ago.