New Hibernian boss Shaun Maloney has confirmed he will be without several of his first-team squad due to suspension and fitness as he urged his side to keep their head at Parkhead on Monday night.
The Edinburgh side will be without both Ryan Porteous and Paul McGinn through suspension, as well as a trio of their January signings in Ewan Henderson, Elias Melkersen and Chris Mueller.
As quoted by the National, Maloney admitted he has ‘some really good players missing’ ahead of the Scottish Premiership return at Parkhead and has called on his team to work as a collective in order to keep as many players on the park as possible.
“It’s not about individuals; it has to be a team collective because we need 11 players on the pitch as often as possible. Over the course of the season, I need to have as many players as possible available to me.
“We have some really good players missing. Some really talented young players, like Ryan and all the options he gives us. Unfortunately, they’re missing for this game. I’ve only been here a few weeks but, moving forward; I think we have to improve on that side of things. But the players have been very receptive to anything we’ve spoken about.”
The former Celtic midfielder has made a good start to life with the Edinburgh side, picking up two wins from two in his opening fixtures against Aberdeen and Dundee United.
Despite having several players missing, the Hibs boss will be coming to Parkhead and looking to make things difficult for Ange Postecoglou and his side.
It will be interesting to see how Maloney attempts to do that with some key players at the back missing. Fans will be expecting a tough test when the Easter Road side travel into Glasgow.
