INJURY BLOW FOR HIBS PAIR PORTEOUS AND NAISMITH

HIBS have suffered two defensive blows with Jason Naismith ruled out for the rest of the campaign and Ryan Porteous facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Both picked up serious knee injuries during Sunday’s 2-2 Scottish Cup draw against Dundee United at Tannadice, with the development overshadowing news that centre-half Porteous yesterday signed a new deal extending his stay at Easter Road until the summer of 2023.

On-loan Peterborough full-back Naismith, 25, who previously played under manager Jack Ross at St Mirren, is facing around six months out with ligament damage. Porteous could need surgery, meanwhile, with the club stating he will be out for a ‘significant period’ but is ‘optimistic of appearing before the end of the campaign’. With former Barnsley centre-half Adam Jackson being linked with a return back south to England, Ross is likely to bring in another defender before the transfer window shuts, as cover. Hibs, who host Hamilton tonight, are weighing up a move for Estonian midfielder Mihkel Ainsalu after taking him on trial. The 23-year-old, who has seven caps, has spent the last six years with Flora Tallinn. Hibs have re-signed midfielder Stephane Omeonga on loan from Genoa for the rest of the season but want reinforcements after Stevie Mallan was ruled out for two months and Josh Vela was allowed to leave after just half a season at the club. They failed to tempt Liam Henderson back to the club on loan from Italy. Meanwhile, Hamilton have brought goalkeeper Luke Southwood back on loan from Reading until the end of the season and are closing in on a temporary deal for Crystal Palace defender Sam Woods.