Raphael Sallinger is set to reclaim his spot between the sticks for Hibernian in Saturday's pivotal clash against Falkirk, head coach David Gray has confirmed.
The Austrian shot-stopper returns from a one-game suspension after being shown a red card in the first half of the 2-1 derby defeat to Hearts for handling the ball outside his penalty area. His absence opened the door for Jordan Smith, last season's number one, who delivered solid performances in the remainder of that derby and the subsequent 2-1 loss to Celtic. However, Smith will now make way for Sallinger's return.
Gray admitted the decision wasn't straightforward. "Yeah, I do (have a tough decision). But I've spoken to both goalkeepers and it'll be Rafa that goes back in this weekend," he said. "It's not an easy decision because all Smudge can do is wait for his opportunity and do everything he can, and he's certainly done that, but I think over the piece, Rafa has been very consistent this season. I've been very open with the two of them and Rafa will start the game."
Hibs will also welcome back defenders Felix Passlack and Grant Hanley from suspension, a timely boost as the club's European aspirations have been hampered by a staggering four red cards in their last three matches. Gray didn't mince words about the discipline issues. "It's pretty self-explanatory, I spoke about that even going into the last one, and the results show that as well. Four red cards in three games, three defeats. To give yourself the best chance, you need all 11 men on the pitch."
In midfield, Josh Mulligan has been "training well" after being sidelined since January, though Gray remained tight-lipped on whether the key player would feature against a sixth-place Falkirk side sitting just two points behind Hibs. The stakes are high: beyond fending off the Bairns, Gray's men are still chasing fourth-place Motherwell, who hold a six-point advantage with only three games remaining.
Gray struck a determined tone as the season enters its critical phase. "Everything we set out to do is still possible at this stage. We are quickly running out of games but there's no bigger game than the biggest game of the season this weekend. If we beat Falkirk this weekend it puts us five points ahead of them with two games to go, but, more importantly, three points behind Motherwell before they play."