Hibernian FC vs Falkirk preview - Hibs duo banned against Bairns

Posted Friday, August 22, 2014 by PA

A feisty Edinburgh derby against Hearts has ensured both Lewis Stevenson and Scott Robertson are suspended for Hibernian's Scottish Championship clash with Falkirk.

Defender Paul Hanlon remains on the sidelines with a minor knee problem, which is not related to the surgery he had towards the end of last season.

Head coach Alan Stubbs said: "We've got options in the squad. We've got Owain (Tudur Jones) and Scott (Allan) who could come in and take the position of Scott (Robertson).

"So we'll look at it and see what we feel is the best fit for the game. But first and foremost Scott (Allan) is now in a position where I feel he can do himself justice.

"When he came to us he was lacking in a general fitness, which he will admit. That's why we haven't seen him as much as we would've liked and as much as the fans would've liked, but he has worked hard to put that right."

Falkirk will miss striker Botti Bia-Bi after his red card against Dunfermline on Tuesday night in their Petrofac Training Cup success.

The Bairns will also be without the injured Kieran Duffie (foot) and Lewis Small (shoulder) as well as Thomas Grant, who has been ill.

"It has been a tough start to the season as we have had Cowdenbeath away followed by Rangers and now Hibs, with Hearts to come next week," said Falkirk technical director Alex Smith.

"We also had a difficult cup tie with Dunfermline but we handled that well. Hibs will be smarting after losing to Hearts but we are not going there to feel sorry for them."