Hogg return for Celtic clash is boost for Hibs Uefa hopes

HIBS' European hopes were handed a boost today with the news Chris Hogg could return to action in Sunday's crunch clash with Celtic at Parkhead.

The influential defender has been out of action since damaging the medial ligaments in his left knee in a 2-0 victory over St Mirren at the start of last month.

However, he was due to resume full training today for the first time and, assuming he shows no adverse reaction, he could feature in the Easter Road side's final two matches of the season at Celtic then at home to Motherwell.

Hibs boss Mixu Paatelainen conceded that the return of Hogg would be a huge plus for his side as they battle it out for third spot in the SPL and the UEFA Cup qualification that comes with it.

But he stressed he wouldn't rush the defender back into action if there were any doubts over the former Ipswich Town youngster's fitness.

"Chris Hogg will take part in a team training session today so things are looking better," said Paatelainen.

"I don't know yet if he will be involved on Sunday as it will all depend on the state of his knee but it's good to have him back training.

"We hope to have him available because he's our player of the season and you want all your good players at this stage of the campaign. He's a good, positive character all round and you want that."

Meanwhile, Paatelainen insisted today that reports the SPL season could be extended again, with Hibs' final match of the campaign against Motherwell being pushed back from Thursday May 22 to Saturday May 24, would pose "no problem" for his side. The SPL are understood to be in talks with the SFA in a bid to have the Scottish Cup final between Queen of the South and Rangers, currently scheduled for May 24, switched so that the final round of league matches can be played then to aid Rangers' bid for UEFA Cup glory.

If those plans were to get the go-ahead it would leave Hibs with a gap of almost two weeks between this weekend's match with Celtic and their final game of the season against Motherwell – which could decide who enters the UEFA Cup next term.

The Fir Park outfit would have a game the previous Saturday against Rangers.

"As long as we know, well before the game, then I don't think it changes anything for us," said Paatelainen.

"But it is amazing how many times these things seem to have been changed – you'd think you would get it right at the first change.

"If it changes then it won't be a problem.

"It would mean a two week break between fixtures which I suppose means players could lose their rhythm a wee bit, but if we have to put in a practice game or something then we will. We'll cope."