Reprieve for Sol Bamba as John Hughes goes in search of miracle at Easter Road

SOL Bamba could be called down off the naughty step to help rescue Hibernian's European ambitions after manager John Hughes yesterday offered up the prospect of the defender returning for tomorrow night's second-leg encounter with SK Maribor.

Hughes said that Bamba, who incurred his wrath for turning up a week late for pre-season training, is in line for a quick return to the first-team, as Hibs seek to overcome a three-goal deficit from the first leg of the Europa League third-round qualifying tie. Hughes' hand has been forced not only by the defensive frailties which have hampered his side recently, but also the knock picked up by centre-half Chris Hogg.

The skipper should return to training today but Hughes is alert to the need for all hands to be on deck as Hibs attempt a remarkable comeback. He is conscious that the fast-tracking of Bamba back into the team might be interpreted as a sign of weakness. However, such are the circumstances that Hibs could well use an athletic defender who can also be counted on to be a threat in the opposition's penalty box. For all that his recent actions have left Hughes dismayed, Bamba is that man.

The manager reasoned that while the club pays his wages, the player should be available to utilise for the greater good of Hibs. He wouldn't comment on whether the player had been disciplined. "I am here to talk about football," he said. Bamba has been involved with the first-team group again after a spell last week training with the youths.

"What we've been doing this week is getting him working with the ball knowing, if he is called upon, he will have to go for it," reported Hughes. Bamba himself announced he was ready to return, despite having played little football since the end of last season. He was an unused member of the Ivory Coast squad at this summer's World Cup finals, a commitment which led to his fall-out with Hibs. Bamba stayed away longer than was agreed after his stint in South Africa.

"The club had their reasons and I had mine," Bamba said yesterday. "Many of the boys have been training hard for a month to get their chance and, having been away, I can't expect to come straight back into the team. But, if the manager needs me, I'll be ready to play. I've been playing a bit of catch-up this week to make sure I'm in the right condition."

Hughes mentioned the phrase "cap in hand" yesterday, and he wasn't referring to the Proclaimers song. He admitted that the sudden promotion of Bamba from sinner to possible saviour could be unpalatable for some. It might also be perceived as begging. "We have not been great defensively in the pre-season and we've looked at that and if it is a case of going cap in hand, then so be it," Hughes said. "I'm not that stubborn. I want the best for Hibs. It will never hide the disappointment of what happened, especially going into a European tie and turning up on the Monday. But it's history. In football you can't hold grudges."

He conceded that some of his players, as well as supporters, might not be comfortable with the decision. But he asked the fans to back Bamba and help roar the team to victory on what could be a famous night at Easter Road. Hughes set his team the target of being in front by half-time, having also kept a clean sheet. Then they can use this foothold to attack the margin of lead still held by the Slovenians in the second half. "I will say this to the supporters: they need to get right behind him [Bamba]," Hughes urged. "It's done and dusted - it's history. Sol Bamba with the right mindset is an asset to Hibs. He was not ready for the first game and I owed it to the players that came on 1 July and did double sessions and are fighting for their place.

"We're carrying one or two knocks as well. If there is something at your disposal that can enhance the team, then you have to go and use it. I think some of [the players] share my disappointment but they're professional enough to say, if he is coming back and we get a Sol Bamba as himself it gives us a better opportunity to win the tie." While Bamba's return could prove an advantage to Hibs, so too might the new pitch at Easter Road, as well as the soon-to-be-opened east stand. Hughes hoped that all these factors might combine to produce a Miracle of Leith. "There is plenty out there that can inspire us," he said. "We just need to look at Liverpool in the Champions League final against AC Milan, when they scored three goals in six minutes [after being 3-0 down]. You have to believe anything in football is achievable. I will ask the players to think about that. I might get the footage and show them a few bits and pieces.

"If there is any message, it's discipline and concentration has to be 100 per cent with a belief that you can score three goals in a matter of six minutes," he said.

To help increase the chances of this happening it seems certain that Anthony Stokes and Derek Riordan will join Bamba in the starting line-up after both were named on the substitutes' bench in Slovenia last week.