McLeish to give outsiders a chance

Hibs boss Alex McLeish will rotate his squad for the home clash with Kilmarnock with the Scottish Cup final against Celtic in mind.

McLeish will give fringe players the opportunity to book their place in the team for Hampden Park on May 26, starting with Saturday's visit of Killie to Easter Road.

He believes that should act as enough of a spur to ensure his side do not take their foot of the pedal in the final few weeks of the campaign.

He said: "We need to maintain the edge and make sure players are fresh when it comes to the cup final.

"It is likely I will rotate the 20 I have and we will try to maintain the sharpness if the results go the right way for us.

"Players like Marc Libbra, Tom McManus, Grant Brebner and Dirk Lehmann should not feel they are merely bit parts. This is their chance to impress between now and the end of the season.

"Everyone will have their team picked for the final but I don't yet. I have a nucleus that I am fairly firm about but I want the players to provide competition for the one or two positions left."

Kilmarnock have their own incentive as they aim to reduce Hibs' lead and stay ahead of Hearts in the race for fourth place.

McLeish added: "There is not a lot between the two sides and I think the fact we are third and fourth shows that to be valid."