Hibs v Kilmarnock: What can we expect from Jack Ross pre-match press conference?

Hibs head coach Jack Ross will meet with the media today as he speaks ahead of the first Scottish Premiership match of the season against Kilmarnock at Easter Road tomorrow.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic Ross has not given a press conference since March 12, the day before the Scottish game entered hiatus.

With a host of talking points up for discussion, we take a look at what subjects may come up ...

Doidge fitness

The Evening News revealed this week that Welsh striker Christian Doidge, who hit 18 goals in all competitions last season, had returned to training after missing the bulk of the club’s pre-season programme. Whether the 27-year-old is fit enough for a starting position against Killie is one question Ross may be able to shed more light on ahead of the game.

Kevin Nisbet was signed from Dunfermline Athletic earlier this month, while academy graduate Jamie Gullan is also pushing for a starting berth.

Kamberi situation

The striker has been told he has no future at Easter Road and is currently at home in Switzerland mulling over his future.

He was most recently linked with St Gallen but a return to Rangers looks highly unlikely, despite his time there on loan and injury to Jermain Defoe reducing Steven Gerrard’s options in attack. Jack Ross could well be asked if there are any updates on the player’s situation ahead of the curtain-raiser.

Lack of fans

Hibs have completed five pre-season matches without fans watching on, but given the nature of bounce games that are often completed during a regular season, playing behind closed doors is nothing new for players and coaches. However, starting the season at Easter Road with no supporters in the stands will be a unique and perhaps unsettling atmosphere for the bulk of those on the pitch.

Several former Hibs players including Pat Stanton and Michael Weir believe it will be difficult for teams without the fans roaring them on, although guidance was issued yesterday by the Scottish Government suggesting at least some fans may be allowed back into stadiums by mid-September. Plenty of talking points there.

Summer signings

Hibs brought in three new faces over the summer in Alex Gogic, Kevin Nisbet, and Drey Wright. All three could play a part tomorrow but more importantly, Ross addressed three areas that were in need of reinforcements. Nisbet and Wright have both spoken to the media already but the head coach may well have more to say about the trio’s arrival.

More subs

Scottish Premiership clubs yesterday voted to allow up to five substitutions during a match, with the provision that games can only be halted three times to make changes. The increased number of available replacements will mean an additional two players in the matchday squad as rules permit nine individuals can be named among the subs. There are obvious advantages to having five changes available but Ross may have his own thoughts about the rule change.

Six games in four weeks

By the end of August, Hibs will have played six matches in 31 days. With players having not played a competitive game since early March, a busy month of games will increase the chances of fatigue and potentially injuries.

While Ross has virtually a full squad to choose from including development squad players, the new rules around substitutes (nine in a matchday squad along with 11 starters) and a change from bounce games to full-blown, competitive league matches, may see a bit of squad rotation this month.

Further arrivals?

Three signings have already been made, but the ongoing situation with Kamberi may mean funds are freed up for new arrivals before the transfer deadline. Ross could give an indication of whether he’s happy with the squad he’s got, or plans on making further additions.

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