Dundee manager Jim Duffy has admitted to some disappointment ahead of his first return to Hibernian since his sacking in 1998.

The Dark Blues boss has been waiting for almost five years to return to Easter Road after spells as a coach with Chelsea and Portsmouth.

But Duffy has expressed his frustration at not being able to see two Scotland international youngsters go head-to-head.

Duffy said: "I was actually looking forward to seeing Garry O'Connor go up against Lee Wilkie again.

"But it's unfortunate that neither are going to be available because it's always good to see quality young Scottish players in action.

"Hibs are a team right on form at the moment and were very unlucky to lose to Rangers last weekend.

"Hibs have some good players and we had a hard match against them the last time we played."

Wilkie is suspended for the game after his dismissal in midweek against Dunfermline but Zura Khizanishvili returns from a ban.

Hibernian striker Tom McManus believes the 2-1 defeat at Rangers last weekend could be just the boost the Edinburgh side need.

The Easter Road side were aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty in the game which would have given them a point.

But McManus insists the confidence gained from clawing their way back into the game last weekend will boost their hopes of a win against the Dark Blues.

He said: "In the first half-hour against Rangers last week we were torn apart.

"They played some great stuff but the gaffer changed it to 4-4-2 and we managed to get a goal before half-time.

"That was a massive boost after being under so much pressure.

"I thought we deserved a draw but a few decisions went against us.

"That's part of football and you can only get on with it."

But Hibs boss Bobby Williamson is focusing on the game against Dundee rather than the ill-fortune which appeared to blight his side last week.

Williamson said: "We know what problems Dundee can cause but we have to concentrate on our own game and play to our capabilities and strengths."

Williamson welcomes Ian Murray back to the squad, with the defender having recovered from a leg injury which forced him to miss the defeat to Rangers last week.