Hibernian FC vs Livingston preview - Handling out of Hibs opener

Posted Friday, August 08, 2014 by PA

Hibernian winger Daniel Handling is suspended for the Scottish Championship opener against Livingston.

Handling was sent off against Rangers and will miss the visit of Livi along with being banned for his next available Challenge Cup tie.

Head coach Alan Stubbs said: "We've started on a journey here at Hibernian and, although we acknowledge we won't reach our goals immediately, we are making steady progress and hopefully everybody can see that development.

"Saturday's match against Livingston will be a difficult match against a well-organised team in a massively competitive league, but we'll be targeting three points and a positive start to the new campaign."

Livingston will be without former Hibs youngster Brad Donaldson through illness, with manager John McGlynn missing five other players.

Craig Sives is banned and knee injuries have ruled out Kevin Walker and Simon Mensing, while ankle problems keep Nejc Praprotnik and Robert Ogleby on the sidelines.

McGlynn said: "This is a really exciting start to our season and we have been looking forward to this game since the fixtures came out.

"I watched Hibs in midweek against Rangers and I was impressed with them. Alan Stubbs has them playing a nice style of football however we are not going there to admire them play."