Livingston v Hibs: Early team news as Ryan Porteous aims to be fit for game

Hibs travel to Livingston on Saturday on the back of a morale-boosting victory over tough opposition in Kilmarnock in the season opener last weekend.

Jack Ross will likely have a near-full squad to choose from, although Sean Mackie is still working on a return to full fitness after returning to training from the foot injury that has kept him sidelined since Jauary.

The Easter Road head coach will also hope to have Ryan Porteous available for the Tony Macaroni Arena clash, despite the 21-year-old playing through the pain barrier last weekend.

The centre-back rolled his ankle but kept playing, earning a place in the SPFL’s team of the week alongside team-mate and two-goal hero Martin Boyle.

It is understood that Porteous has been monitored by the East Mains medical staff since the opening-day win but will be given every chance to prove his fitness ahead of Saturday’s game.

Should he fail to be passed fit for the game, Darren McGregor could deputise alongside Paul Hanlon, with Adam Jackson joining the bench.

Elsewhere in defence, Lewis Stevenson may get the nod over Josh Doig if Ross decides to shake up his strategy for what will be a tricky fixture at a tough away ground.

In midfield, the same personnel is likely to start and be named on the bench. Stevie Mallan has returned to training after overcoming a knee injury but it remains to be seen if the former Barnsley and St Mirren man will be deemed fit enough to be named in the squad.

Christian Doidge was named among the substitutes last weekend, the Welshman only returning to training four days before the curtain-raiser after sustaining a knock in pre-season.

He could push for a starting role after coming off the bench against Kilmarnock while Ross also has Martin Boyle and Jamie Gullan available to partner Kevin Nisbet in attack if he opts for a front two.

Livingston boss Gary Holt also has few injury worries beyond long-term absentee Alan Lithgow. Former Hibees Efe Ambrose and Marvin Bartley are both likely to start for the Lions against their old club.