Hibs to field youngest ever defence

Hibs are set to field their youngster-ever back four in Sunday's crucial SPL clash against St Mirren - with an average age of less than 20.

Francis Dickoh's automatic ban following his controversial red card during the victory over Kilmarnock allied to utility man Ian Murray beginning a two-game suspension have left boss Colin Calderwood contemplating a gaping hole in central defence.

While Calderwood insisted he has plenty of options, he is considering pulling Icelandic midfielder Victor Palsson back to play alongside Paul Hanlon with on-loan Celtic kid Richie Towell at right-back and Callum Booth on the opposite flank. Having turned 21 just last month, Hanlon is the oldest of the quartet with his three team-mates all aged only 19 and, experience-wise, he's virtually a veteran compared to the others.

While Scotland Under-21 Hanlon has clocked up almost 40 first-team starts, Booth has managed just five, Towell four and Palsson a mere three.

With Sol Bamba and Chris Hogg having moved on during the January transfer window, Calderwood's only other recognised centre-half is another 19-year-old, David Stephens, but he has only made three substitute appearances in a green and white shirt. Steven Thicot has also played in central defence on occasion while veteran right-back Michael Hart is also available and the 31-year-old's experience would prove invaluable, although it would mean Calderwood making further changes to his back line. Although Hibs beat Saints a fortnight ago, they lie just three points ahead of Danny Lennon's side, who have a game in hand and defeated the Edinburgh club 1-0 in Paisley earlier in the season thanks to a Craig Dargo goal.

Calderwood will be well aware of Dargo's sharpness around the six-yard box but will also have to combat the strength and power of his fellow striker Michael Higdon as he considers not only the make-up of his defence but the inevitable reshuffle to his midfield with Murray missing and Palsson likely to drop back.