Mixu mulls over O'Brien for Hibs' Aberdeen clash

HIBS boss Mixu Paatelainen will sit down for a heart-to-heart with Alan O'Brien today before deciding if the Republic of Ireland winger will play in tomorrow's crunch SPL clash with Aberdeen.

The flying winger was forced to limp out of the action as Hibs dumped Capital rivals Hearts last weekend with a hamstring injury and has been receiving intensive treatment since.

O'Brien is desperate to play as Hibs aim to claim a third consecutive win, cut the gap between themselves and the Dons to just one point and strengthen their grip on a top-six finish.

But Paatelainen is determined not to allow O'Brien's heart to rule his head, insisting there is still a doubt over his fitness and adamant he won't take any risks.

He said: "There is a question mark. He's been improving all week but he had to come off because of a hamstring problem and we don't want to run the risk of losing him for a number of matches.

"Alan has done well, his pace always troubles the opposition and I like a quick player, like anyone else, in those one-to-one situations.

"It's touch and go. I'll see how he trains today, talk to him and then make a decision."

The visit of the Dons marks the start of a run of four decisive games for Hibs as they battle with Aberdeen, Dundee United and Motherwell for one of three places in the top six, Paatelainen well aware the Pittodrie side will arrive in Edinburgh determined to bounce back from their shock Homecoming Scottish Cup defeat by First Division Dunfermline in midweek.

Manager Jimmy Calderwood and his players have been on the receiving end since losing in a penalty shoot-out to the Pars but, according to Paatelainen who was at the match, that will make them even more dangerous opponents.

He said: "It will be a very difficult match, Aberdeen have a good midfield, excellent players everywhere and lots of pace. They'll be anxious to come here and prove the criticism they are getting is wrong but we have to concentrate on what we do.

"We have to maintain the standards of the last couple of games and while I've been pleased with the matches results-wise, there is always room for improvement."

What has also satisfied Paatelainen is the three successive shut-outs notched by his side which had built itself an unwanted reputation for gifting the opposition goals through unforced errors.

Although Sol Bamba, suspended tomorrow after being sent off against Hearts, did make such a mistake during the derby, Paatelainen put the fact that Jambos striker Christian Nade didn't capitalise down to good goalkeeping by Grzegorz Szamotulski.

He said: "Grzegorz had done fantastically well but it is down to the whole team. We've been 1-0 ahead in other games and because of stupid mistakes we have drawn them rather than won and the points lost has made all the difference.

"But we've defended well recently and we will have to do so tomorrow. A 1-0 win is a fantastic victory and, to be honest, I don't care how we do it as long as we win, that's the bottom line."

Hibs have the chance to open up a five point lead at the top of the SPL Under-19 League when they face Kilmarnock at the club's East Mains Training Centre tomorrow, kick-off 11.30 am.