Team News: Gray Makes Three Changes for Hearts Derby

Head Coach David Gray has made three changes to his side for this afternoon’s William Hill Premiership fixture with Hearts.

The Hibees welcome Hearts to Easter Road, seeking a fourth straight home clean sheet in the top-flight for the first time since December 2009 following two home wins over Kilmarnock and St Mirren and a goalless draw with Livingston.

The boss has shuffled the pack after the 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen last time out, with Martin Boyle replacing Dane Scarlett, while there are two changes in defence.

In comes Rocky Bushiri, replacing the suspended Grant Hanley, while Nicky Cadden also makes his return from injury, with Jack Iredale dropping to the bench.

Raphael Sallinger is between the sticks and protected by a back five of Felix Passlack, Warren O’Hora, Bushiri, Jordan Obita and Nicky Cadden.

Dan Barlaser will take on the anchoring role and is supported in the central ground by Miguel Chaiwa.

Jamie McGrath will interchange in the spaces behind talismen Owen Elding and Boyle, who makes his 25th and final appearance in the Edinburgh derby.

Our No10 has scored four goals against the Jambos and will hope to produce another big performance in Leith.

Scarlett and Iredale are joined on the substitutes’ bench by goalkeeper Jordan Smith, defenders Chris Cadden and Kanayo Megwa, midfielders Joe Newell, Kai Andrews and Josh Campbell, and forward Ante Šuto.

This fixture comes too soon for Josh Mulligan, who returned to training this week, while Munashe Garananga is working his way back to full fitness. Rudi Molotnikov is ruled out for the season.