Hibs set for Saints challenge

Hibernian boss Alex McLeish has challenged his side to regain the form which has made them the surprise package of the season.

Earlier in the month the depleted Easter Road side fell to their first back-to-back defeats of the campaign - to Aberdeen and Dunfermline away.

On Sunday they face Sandy Clark's St Johnstone in a televised clash as they look to cement their Uefa Cup qualifying position.

McLeish has called on his players to re-discover the sparkle they showed earlier in the season.

He said: "We watched Saints the other night, and they were very enterprising against Aberdeen.

"It is always tough going up to Perth, but we are looking to bounce back after the two defeats.

"I would like us to do more attacking in this game. In the last two games our defensive problems have been exploited, but I hope we can go up to Perth and express ourselves in a way that does not mean we have to worry about defending as much."

The break for international duty gave McLeish's squad some badly-needed recovery time.

He said: "The break came at a good time for us and it may have freshened a couple of the players up. But we will only see that in the coming weeks when we are heading for the finishing line."

Hibs have been boosted by the return of Ulrik Laursen from injury and Paul Fenwick from suspension.

But captain Franck Sauzee is still out with a knee injury, and John O'Neil is banned.

St Johnstone's season is all but over because it is now mathematically impossible for them to reach a top-six place before the league splits in two next week.

Clark's side have not won in the league since December 9 when St Mirren were beaten 2-0 - a 13-match barren run that has seen just five points garnered.

The extra day will give flu victim Paul Kane more time to recover, but he remains a doubt.

Stuart McCluskey, who has just signed a new contract extension, drops out through suspension - but Guinea international Momo Sylla returns from a ban of his own.