Hibs boss moves quickly for keeper as Ma-Kalambay gets Olympic call-up

HIBS will be without Yves Ma-Kalambay for the start of the new SPL season after the towering goalkeeper was named in Belgium's Olympic squad.

But Easter Road boss Mixu Paatelainen has already made moves to find cover for Ma-Kalambay, who will miss the opening day clash with Kilmarnock as well as matches against Falkirk and Inverness Caledonian Thistle.

Paatelainen fielded a mystery trialist in goal, believed to be from New Zealand, as Hibs continued their pre-season preparations with a 0-0 draw against Second Division Raith Rovers at Stark's Park last night.

The Hibs manager, who also has Andy McNeil and David Grof available, revealed he may seek to make a short-term loan signing, recognising the fact it would be difficult to persuade anyone to move to a club for only a few months.

He said: "It's a fantastic opportunity for any sportsman to take part in the Olympic Games and to be included in the squad for Beijing can only be a massive positive for Yves.

"It's a once in a lifetime opportunity."

Ma-Kalambay will now miss the remainder of Hibs' pre-season games, against Barcelona, Clyde, Middlesbrough and Wigan Athletic as he meets up with his national squad next Monday.

The Belgians face Holland in a warm-up match next week before flying to China where they play Brazil, New Zealand and the host nation in their section.

Paatelainen said: "Yes, it gives me a problem but we will solve it. We need to look at our options and which goalkeepers are available. We might go for a half-year loan or something like that, it all depends."

The goalkeeper who played in Kirkcaldy will continue to train with Hibs for the time being as Paatelainen assesses him along with a French defender who also featured last night alongside former Chelsea midfielder Joe Keenan who will also remain in Edinburgh meantime.

Meanwhile, Paatelainen today threw down the gauntlet to Kevin McCann after the right-back made his comeback from injury at Stark's Park.

The 20-year-old was plagued by tendonitis in his right knee towards the end of last season, a problem which dictated total rest as the cure. As such, the young Scot is trailing behind his team-mates in terms of fitness.

The arrival of David Van Zanten from St Mirren will, along with Thierry Gathuessi, provide stiff competition for that position but Paatelainen admitted he's looking forward to the trio battling it out for a place in the team.

He said: "Kevin is still young although he broke into the team early and played quite a few games. We all know what Kevin is capable of when he is fully fit but at the moment he is a little bit behind.

"His injury meant he had five or six weeks with no running whatsoever and he wasn't able to do the close season training.

"But he has worked really hard and did fairly well last night. It will be a three-way battle for that shirt. It's a welcome problem for me but it is up to Kevin to show what a good player he is."

A Hibs youth side will travel to face Forfar Athletic at Station Park tomorrow night.