Iceland international keeps focus on Dons

Kari Arnason is hoping to carry his international form back to the domestic scene as he returns to Aberdeen duty this week.

The Iceland international has been part of a historic 18 months with his country, knocking England out of Euro 2016 before sealing qualification for the 2018 World Cup with a win over Kosovo on Monday.

The veteran centre-back has been a key part of that team, and is a regular in Derek McInnes’ side that is flying high at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership.

“You want to be as fit as you can for it (the World Cup), but my focus is on Aberdeen now and trying to keep that first spot in the league and trying to do well in the next couple (of games),” he said.

The trip to Easter Road will come too soon for Greg Tansey as the Aberdeen midfielder recovers from injury. Tansey had groin surgery two weeks ago and has made good progress, but manager Derek McInnes has ruled him out of making the game with Hibs.

Danny Harvie (knee) featured in a development game during the week and has been cleared to travel along with Andy Considine, leaving Craig Storie (hamstring) as the only other absentee.

Hibernian boss Neil Lennon hopes to have David Gray and Anthony Stokes available. Skipper Gray missed the Ladbrokes Premiership clashes at Ross County and Celtic due to a hamstring complaint, while Stokes has shaken off a virus which affected him earlier this week.

Ross Turnbull will start in goal again after rival Ofir Marciano missed a couple of days of training while his wife gave birth.

Picture: Getty. Kari Arnason has been enjoying success with Iceland, but has pledged that his immediate focus is on Aberdeen.