McLeish set to give youth a chance against Dundee

Hibernian manager Alex McLeish is happy people are viewing Sunday's match against Dundee as a meaningless fixture.

The Dens Park clash is of little consequence, with Hibs guaranteed a place in next season's Uefa Cup place and a date in the Scottish Cup final and Dundee playing solely to entertain the paying public.

McLeish is not bothered one bit about that and believes that it is a feat beyond his dreams.

Now he is thankful for having the time to rest certain key players and to blood some of the Edinburgh side's emerging proteges prior to the Hampden date with Celtic.

"I don't worry that it is not more meaningful. There are pro's and con's. If the last four games were more competitive, then it could be worse for us," said McLeish.

"However, now this may be a chance for younger players. It is important we have a look at bringing players in to keep things fresh.

"At the start of the season, we could not have envisaged being 12 points clear of fourth place at this stage."

McLeish is set to use the remaining games as a platform for certain players to prove their worth to the cause.

Teenage striker Gary O'Connor will make his first appearance in the first time squad after he scored six goals in two under-21 matches this week.

The 17-year-old had a spell at Peterhead on loan this term and is a player McLeish rates highly for the future.

Dundee will be without Marcello Marrocco and player-manager Ivano Bonetti, who are ruled out with knee and calf injuries respectively.

Striker Juan Sara is also rated doubtful with a groin injury as are Javier Artero and Beto Carranza.

But Fabien Caballero will start the game and Claudio Caniggia is available again.