Hibs handed squad boost before Premier Sports Cup semi-final

Manager Marink Reedijk confirmed that midfielder Miguel Chaiwa – who had to be substituted after 'feeling something' during Wednesday night's match against St Mirren – will be available for selection on Sunday.

Forward Martin Boyle also returns to the squad, after a bout of illness prevented him from playing in either of Hibs' previous two games.

It's welcome news for the Easter Road side, who have struggled with injury woes lately. Reedijk's options will still be limited, though, with a number of key players still sidelined.

Chaiwa was withdrawn during the second half against St Mirren. (Image: Robert Perry / Shutterstock)

Speaking to the media on Friday afternoon, the Dutchman issued a squad update ahead of Sunday's visit to the national stadium.

“I think it's still the same – [Martin] Boyle is back, though," he said. "He feels better.

"And we are looking to see if Callum Wright can be on the bench, but this is for
tomorrow. He's still a question mark.

"Miguel is fine, he's OK. He'll make it this weekend," he added.

Reedijk confessed his 'excitement' ahead of the weekend's clash, which will see him take charge of his first Edinburgh derby.

The 35-year-old has experienced derbies before during his coaching career. That 'special' atmosphere – combined with the possibility of a cup final on the line – make the occasion something to savour.

However, Reedijk asserted that he will treat the match like any other, with victory more important than the occasion surrounding the fixture.

"It's important that we want to win a game of football and, if we can win tomorrow, this will already be a success, because that means that you qualify for a final and you beat the opponents. But it will not determine if it's a big success or not," he said, when asked if beating Hibs' cross-city rivals would represent success.

"I see it as an opportunity to go there, show ourselves and make sure we get a result.

"It's always a special match. The matches where, when you were a little boy, as a player, as a member of staff and as a fan, you look forward to. Because these are
the matches where it's not only the derby; it's also a semi-final, and it's one step away from a final.

"That is a double way of excitement – and this is why I'm very much looking forward to this game."