A like-lee return for Gers star
ANTHONY STOKES can’t see past his side in tomorrow’s Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle after going undefeated in their last eight headto-heads.
Despite Hearts’ resurgence under Craig Levein seeing the Gorgie men unbeaten in their last seven matches, Stokes is convinced Hibs will waltz off with the bragging rights once again.
The Dubliner (left) was on target for the 11th time this season as Neil Lennon’s men recovered from a 4-1 hammering at Pittodrie with a 2-1 win against Ross County at the weekend.
That opened up a five-point gap on the Jambos as Hibs went within three points of third-placed Rangers.
The 29-year-old said: “We have to fancy ourselves because the league table doesn’t lie. Our form has been good, one blip at Aberdeen aside.
“Look at the performance and result at the weekend – everything looks a lot brighter.
“Derbies tend not to have much free-flowing football – they are all about desire. The better players nine times out of 10 still come out on top.
“I fancy our squad, I really do.” RANGERS skipper Lee Wallace could be set for a shock pre-winter break comeback.
And Ibrox manager Graeme Murty is fighting to bring Andy Halliday back from Azerbaijan next month to supplement Michael O’halloran’s proposed return from St Johnstone.
Wallace is being checked daily as he fights back from the groin injury which has put him out for three months. The captain hasn’t played since mid-september but Murty has revealed the fullback is close to fitness ahead of tomorrow’s home game with Motherwell and the Old Firm clash at Celtic Park on Saturday.
Murty said: “Hopefully it will be soon. His numbers are looking good and we just need to make sure that he will be ready to go.”
Asked if he’d be ready for the Celtic game, Murty added: “Possibly. But like I did with Bruno Alves against Kilmarnock, we have to make sure we have a fully-fit squad and that we don’t injure the players, that they are ready to go.”
O’halloran is also set to return in January. Director of football Mark Allen has already informed St Johnstone that Rangers want the winger back when his loan deal expires on Sunday.
Midfielder Halliday is also still on the agenda. He moved to Gabala on a season-long loan in the summer after being axed by ex-boss Pedro Caixinha.
Halliday has barely featured in Azerbaijan but Gabala want him to see out his deal until May.
Murty said: “All options are being explored with those guys. In certain areas we do lack experience and that showed at times against Kilmarnock.”
Rangers v Motherwell Tomorrow 7.45pm