Hibs boss warns suspended trio as replacements shine

MIXU PAATELAINEN today warned his suspended stars they can't expect to walk straight back into the side after watching Hibs keep their UEFA Cup hopes alive with a battling draw against Rangers.

The Easter Road club will head west on Sunday to face the other half of the Old Firm knowing yesterday's stalemate in Edinburgh will only have sent Celtic's hopes of retaining the SPL title soaring with Gordon Strachan's side now seven points clear, although Rangers have three games in hand.

Paatelainen will have striker Colin Nish, midfield ace Guillaume Beuzelin and right-back Thierry Gathuessi all available again after they sat out the clash with Rangers because of suspension.

But today the Hibs boss admitted he'd been thrilled by the performances of their replacements: Ross Campbell, who made his first start of the season, Ross Chisholm and Kevin McCann, who returned after a 13-match absence. Now Paatelainen has seven days to ponder over his team for Celtic Park, although he insisted he'd have no hesitation in throwing the youngsters in again.

He said: "I was really pleased, the boys have done tremendously well in training and in the reserve matches. I've seen the way they've handled themselves in every situation. They are great young players but obviously I can only pick 11 at a time, the team I feel will do the job in specific games."

Paatelainen acknowledged he'll have greater options this weekend with the availability of Nish, Beuzelin and Gathuessi while Brian Kerr and Alan O'Brien took a place on the bench yesterday following lengthy injury lay-offs.

He said: "We'll have more players available again which is great, there might be changes, there might not. It's the same kind of situation for me before every game."

The point Hibs gained pulled them closer to Motherwell and Dundee United, both of whom lost at the weekend, although Paatelainen insisted the Fir Park outfit, with two games in hand, remain in pole position for third place and he warned not to discount Aberdeen who have hauled themselves into the fringes of the race.

But in conceding as much, Paatelainen was equally adamant Hibs' hopes of a place in next season's UEFA Cup remain very much alive. He said: "It's still on. If Motherwell manage to win their games in hand then they'll deserve third place.

"Their remaining fixtures are difficult, but we have to concentrate on our matches. We'll be going to Celtic Park looking for a victory, but, of course, it won't be easy. They are the champions and they have done well recently.

"They came under a lot of pressure when Rangers took the lead and appeared to be running away a bit. Celtic have played more games, but they now have a comfortable lead and Rangers know they cannot afford any slip-ups.

"All credit to Celtic, they have performed under pressure and, like Rangers, they have world-class players. But on our day we are capable of beating anyone."

The East of Scotland Shield final between Hibs and Hearts, which was held over from last season, will take place on Wednesday at 7:30pm when both clubs are expected to field youthful reserve sides.

Only the lower tier of the West Stand will be open with Hibs fans occupying the north end and Hearts supporters the south. Season tickets are not valid.