Hibs line up two more friendlies as preparations for new season intensify

Hibernian’s Christian Doidge (R) competes with Ali McCann during the league meeting with St Johnstone in August last year. Pic: SNS Group Alan Harvey

Hibs will step up their preparations for the new season with two further bounce games against Premiership rivals.

The Easter Road side got their first taste of pre-season action last weekend in a 1-1 draw with St Mirren played behind closed doors at East Mains after the Scottish Government gave the green light for matches to be played in line with coronavirus restrictions.

Now Jack Ross' men will look to further build their match fitness when they travel to Perth on Wednesday for a midweek meeting with St Johnstone before entertaining Ross County back at HTC on Saturday.

Both matches will be played strictly behind closed doors, with no supporters permitted to attend.

The warm-up fixtures could see new signings Kevin Nisbet and Alex Gogic make their first appearance in green and white after both were left out of the weekend draw with St Mirren.

The Buddies took the lead in the first half through Jay Henderson, with Jamie Gullan levelling in the second half after good wing play on the right from the Hibs' other new arrival, Drey Wright.

Centre-back Ryan Porteous, who has been sidelined since January through injury, completed the second 45 minutes along with winger Wright.

Hibs may also look to arrange one more friendly fixture next week in the build up to the new Premiership season, which kicks off against Kilmarnock at Easter Road on Saturday, August 1, although this has yet to be confirmed.