Op goes well for Hibs' Stack but future hazy

The 29-year-old underwent surgery on the ligaments damaged in a clash with Hamilton's Mark McLaughlin on Wednesday and will return next week for a check-up with the specialist who operated.

However, assistant manager Derek Adams revealed the initial reports had indicated everything had gone to plan, saying: "We won't know until Graham goes back but the operation went well and things seem fine."

Adams, though, admitted Stack was in "an unfortunate situation," facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines as his two-year deal with Hibs runs down, the star, like fellow goalkeeper Graeme Smith out of contract at the end of the season.

Asked if Hibs boss Colin Calderwood intended to discuss the situation with Stack, Adams would only say: "I am sure the manager has his ideas of what he wants to do in the summer."

Stack, who spent three months out last season after suffering a freak eye injury in a clash with team-mate Abdessalam Benjelloun in a training ground accident, missed a further 25 games this season, picking up a back injury following the opening game against Motherwell.

But he returned to stake his claim for a place in Calderwood's plans, starring as Hibs put their problems behind them by clocking up five straight wins. However, it was in that fifth game at New Douglas Park that Stack was injured, later claiming McLaughlin had made no attempt to play the ball as he caught it, an action which forced him into an awkward landing as he attempted to avoid landing on his neck.

Although an X-ray indicated no break or dislocation, ligaments in his right shoulder were damaged with the immediate diagnosis being another lengthy spell out of action.

Meanwhile, Hibs' postponed match against Celtic will now take place in Glasgow on Wednesday, April 6.

Hibs Under-19s face Celtic at Lennoxtown tomorrow (kick-off 1.30 pm) in what will be their last match before their SFA Youth Cup semi-final against Rangers at Ibrox the following Saturday.

FORMER Hibs skipper Rob Jones has been allowed to leave Scunthorpe United to join English League One strugglers Sheffield Wednesday on loan for the rest of the season.