Chris Sutton

Football has to face facts and accept there’s a link between heading a ball and dementia, Alzheimer’s or CTE

HIBS defender Darren McGregor is suspended but Jordon Forster is in contention after a hamstring injury.

Brian McLean is also vying to partner fellow new signing Efe Ambrose in central defence with Liam Fontaine needing surgery on his ankle while Paul Hanlon (pelvis) is also still out. Midfielders Dylan McGeouch, Chris Humphrey, Alex Harris and Danny Handling aren’t available to Hibs boss Neil Lennon.

Ayr striker Farid El Alagui is cup-tied while midfielder Paul Cairney was carried off early on against Raith Rovers in midweek. Ross Docherty is back from suspension but defender Peter Murphy remains out along with midfielders Robbie Crawford, Jamie Adams and Declan McDaid.

Top scorers: Jason Cummings (Hibs) 18; Alan Forrest (Ayr) 9.

Referee: Nick Walsh. RANGERS should have Rob Kiernan in their squad for today’s quarter-final clash at Ibrox – despite his sending off against St Johnstone.

The defender is due to serve a two-match ban for a challenge on Saints frontman Graham Cummins but Gers caretaker boss Graeme Murty has confirmed the club will appeal, freeing Kiernan to face Accies.

Jordan Rossiter (calf) and Niko Kranjcar (knee) remain on the sidelines though.

Hamilton duo Darian MacKinnon and Danny Redmond will miss out through suspension while Jesus Garcia Tena (knee), Darren Lyon (hip), Alex D’Acol (ankle), Louis Longridge (broken foot) and Shaun Want (ankle) are out.

Top scorers: Martyn Waghorn (Rangers) 13; Ali Crawford (Hamilton) 9.

Referee: John Beaton.