Hibs thorn in Rangers' side now a major doubt for Ibrox trip; one of three issues
Yesterday at 04:30 AM
Hibs are gearing up for what manager David Gray insists will be a 'real tough day' for his side v Rangers.
But the Edinburgh club will still be looking to spoil the party for Rangers fans as they return to a full-capacity Ibrox for the first-time this season.
The Hibees will potentially look to unleash free-agent summer signing Dwight Gayle on Rangers in a headline-making Ibrox debut.
But the Easter Road side have confirmed that two key first-team stars face a 'race against time' to be fit for the upcoming Scottish Premiership clash against Rangers whilst one Hibs star is already ruled out.
Hibs pair face 'race against time' v Rangers
Hibs will be without summer signing Kieron Bowie for the trip to Rangers, the young Scotland attacker joining the Edinburgh club from Fulham this summer for a 'significant fee'.
Bowie, 22, suffered a devastating hamstring injury whilst on Scotland U21 duties in September and faces four months on the sidelines.
But the injury problems don't end there for Hibs and David Gray, with two other players still major doubts for the visit of Rangers.
In an injury update posted on the official Hibs website, Gray explains that both midfielder Joe Newell and influential winger Martin Boyle are doubts for the trip to Ibrox.
"They were both playing with injuries; Joe had a stomach issue and Boyley with his hand," explains Gray. "It's a race against time for them, but they are getting better every day."
Canadian winger eyeing first Hibs start v Rangers
Should Martin Boyle miss out at Rangers, then Canadian winger Junior Hoilett could be in line to make his first start for Hibs in the game at Ibrox.
Hoilett joined Hibs in the summer following a brief spell with Aberdeen under the tenure of experienced English manager Neil Warnock.
Speaking ahead of the game, Hoilett admits he's hoping to impress when Hibs play Rangers later this afternoon.
"You want to play in the big games in any division you're in," Hoilett told Hibs.
"Of course playing against Rangers at Ibrox is appealing for anybody. You want to play at the best level and be tested.
"You have to be excited to play against the big teams to show your worth.
"I want to help as much as I can whether it's starting or coming off the bench. I just want to help the team achieve its goals and progress day in, day out.
"Of course everyone wants to start. I'm a competitor. Wanting to start every week is just natural for every footballer. I can't wait to crack on and help the team get more wins.
"For me, age is just a number as long as you're enjoying it and have a passion for it. I always go out to training to work hard and progress as a player. I want to be on the pitch as much as possible. I didn't come here to make up the numbers, I came here to play."
Rangers don't have their own injury problems to seek, with the latest knock to Oscar Cortes ensuring there is over £17m worth of talent currently sidelined at Ibrox.
