Murray ban clouds Hibs win celebration

Hibs' joy at ending their 12-match run without a win was tempered today by the revelation that skipper Ian Murray is about to be hit with a two-match ban.

The utility man was one of three Easter Road players booked in the opening minutes of the second half.

Matt Thornhill and Victor Palsson were also shown the yellow card in that period with David Wotherspoon later joining them in the book.

But Murray's caution has sent him crashing through the SFA's disciplinary points limit, invoking a two-game suspension. While Murray will be available for Hibs' next match, the visit of Kilmarnock a week on Saturday, he will then miss the trip to New St Mirren Park on February 20 and the clash with Inverness Caley in Edinburgh six days later.

Meanwhile, manager Calderwood today praised the part the home fans had played in the win over the Buddies, insisting their recognition of the situation facing the players and their reaction should them to be "very knowledgeable."