Hibs forward Campbell goes Forth in Dunfemline loan deal

HIBS boss Mixu Paatelainen today revealed Scotland Under-21 striker Ross Campbell has quit Easter Road to join Dunfermline on loan.

Campbell has been unable to get beyond the bench this season and, with the return of Derek Riordan and Fabian Yantorno edging closer to full fitness, he has found himself on the fringes of Paatelainen's plans.

The youngster has signed for an initial month at East End Park and is in line to make his debut against Ross County tomorrow but Paatelainen denied it was the first step towards Campbell permanently leaving Hibs.

He said: "I'm not trying to push him away from the club, I feel it will benefit him immensely to get some regular first-team football. Dunfermline are a good club and Ross will be in good hands with their manager Jim McIntyre also a striker.

Dunfermline have endured a mixed start to the season and have scored only two goals in their last five matches, presenting Campbell with the perfect opportunity to shine. Paatelainen has made no secret of the fact he'd love to see Riordan, Steven Fletcher and Colin Nish form a three-pronged attack force but he admitted it's unlikely to happen as Hibs face SPL new boys Hamilton tomorrow. He said: "We have that option but Derek isn't fit enough for 90 minutes yet. He's working very hard it won't be long. But we also have Steve Pinau so we do have options."

Paatelainen was today anticipating nothing other than a tough match against the Accies at New Douglas Park, the first meeting between the sides since Hibs beat Hamilton 2-0 at Firhill to clinch their return to the top flight nine years ago. And he believes the winning mentality gained in taking the First Division title has given Billy Reid's side real momentum.

He said: "They've started the season really well, they've kept more or less the same squad and they've got that winning habit. It's good for the SPL and Scottish football so we will have to be extra sharp."

Tomorrow will see former Hibs defender Martin Canning play against his old club for the first time since his surprise move to Hamilton just hours before the transfer window shut but Paatelainen was obviously hoping he'll endure a miserable home debut.

He said: "Martin was frustrated at being on the bench a lot. He felt it was better for himself to move on, I had my eye on Sol Bamba who I thought would be a good addition to the squad and when that happened we were able to let Martin move on."

Bamba is suspended tomorrow having been sent off during the win over Dundee United while Filipe Morais, Alan O'Brien and Kevin McCann aren't fit.