Hibernian FC vs Falkirk - Bartley a doubt for Hibs

Posted Friday, December 11, 2015 by PA

Hibernian boss Alan Stubbs is sweating over the fitness of Marvin Bartley ahead of Saturday's Ladbrokes Scottish Championship clash with Falkirk.

The former Bournemouth, Burnley and Leyton Orient midfielder has a back strain and may be forced to miss the Easter Road fixture.

Even if Bartley does pull through, Stubbs reckons his promotion chasers will be in for a tough afternoon.

The Leith boss, whose side are back in action after last week's Morton trip was postponed, said: "I don't think it will be a slow start. We had a game amongst ourselves at Easter Road and that blew away some of the cobwebs.

"I'm sure Saturday will be an entertaining game and a tough one too - basically the type of thing you would expect from a team in second against the team in third."

Falkirk, who will move three points behind their opponents with a win, have the experience of David McCracken to call on after a knock. But Kieran Duffie (knee), Tom Taiwo (knee) and Bob McHugh (hamstring) are all missing for the Bairns.

Manager Peter Houston said: "A win would take us closer to Hibs and that is what we will go out and look to do. They are a strong side who will look to attack us throughout but we have the players that can handle that.

"It is a big game against a side that we have a good record against so we are looking forward to it."