Towell forced out of Hibs' Celtic clash due to red tape

The 19-year-old Hoops defender has been an ever-present in Colin Calderwood's side after moving to Easter Road on loan until the end of the season.

But under SPL rules, the Republic of Ireland star is forbidden from facing Celtic, meaning Calderwood will have to change a defence which has remained the same throughout a run of six matches unbeaten, a record which has hauled the Easter Road outfit well clear of the threat of relegation.

In that spell the back four of Towell, Francis Dickoh, Paul Hanlon and Callum Booth have conceded just three goals, the last ironically scored by the Dublin-born youngster as he put St Johnstone ahead last weekend, his blushes spared as David Wotherspoon claimed a late equaliser.

Although admitting Towell had put his side "in a pickle," with his blunder, Calderwood backed the kid saying: "The wee man has been tremendous. He's a good defender, he has a great attitude and his attributes outweigh his own goal."

Towell's enforced absence will, however, cause Calderwood something of a headache with experienced right-back Michael Hart having been troubled by injury which has seen him make just one appearance as a substitute since the middle of January.

The former Livingston, Aberdeen and Preston North End player still hadn't rejoined his team-mates in training prior to the trip to Perth and his lack of action would appear to rule him out of a start at Celtic Park.

Steven Thicot has played in that position as a stop-gap measure although the French star is clearly happier playing elsewhere, and like Hart has been hit by an injury which has ruled him out of Hibs' last eight matches.

The obvious option for Calderwood would be to move Wotherspoon back to a position he filled for most of last season, although the Scotland Under-21 player has impressed over the past few weeks in his more favoured role on the right of midfield.