Jack reveals Allan is on the verge of return
Twenty-four hours after his two former clubs clash at Celtic Park, Scott Allan is set to take an important stride in his recuperation.
Hibs’ midfield playmaker has not played since August due to a mystery illness, which made a spectator out of him.
However, after carefully monitoring him in recent weeks, manager Jack Ross says his return is not too far off.
“Scott is making positive progress,” said the Easter Road boss.
“He has now been back in the group for several weeks, and his load has increased in that period.
“Weather permitting, we are hopeful we will have a bounce match on Tuesday that he will be involved in.
“That’s another big step forward for him.
“From a health point of view, it’s all going in the right direction. He has not played since August, so that in itself is a relatively- long period to be out of the game.
“So there are two aspects to it. First, making sure he is good to go from a health point of view.
“Second, from an all- round fitness view, making sure he is up to speed.
“He is getting there. He is getting closer and the bounce game is another step forward.”
It can be argued that Hibs have not done too badly without him. They are fourth in the table and have been as high as second.
Ross, though, is no doubt Allan’s progress is great news.
“Scott has made a career out of being able to find passes that other players can’t quite see,” said Ross.
“He provides creativity in the final third, and you would always like to have that in your squad at all points.
“The more players you have, either starting games or coming on, who can do arguably the hardest part – creating and scoring goals – the better.
“We have missed that option within our team.
“It was certainly unforeseen that we would be without Scott for this period of time.
“So if we can get him back fit, and available for the last few months of the season, it would certainly help the strength of the squad.”