Live Commentary

Skipper a doubt for Hibs Captain James McPake is a doubt with a back injury as relegation-threatened Hibernian tackle Dundee United in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League at Easter Road. Striker Leigh Griffiths is set to be included in the squad despite a reported bust-up with manager Pat Fenlon, midfielder Martin Scott is also in contention after a rumoured disciplinary issue and right-back George Francomb is available after a head knock. Isaiah Osbourne and Ivan Sproule are available after missing the Edinburgh derby loss to Hearts through suspension, Danny Galbraith is unlikely to be included despite returning to training following a groin injury and Ian Murray (hip) remains out. Hibs have three games left before the SPL split and five games against the other sides in the bottom half of the table, plus a William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final with Aberdeen on April 14. Tom Soares believes each game is of equal importance. "We'd love to stay up and win the cup," he said. "That would be brilliant for the club, but we've got to take every game as it comes. "We're still in the thick of it and we need every point we can get. "Every game between now and the end of the season is going to be a massive game for us. We've just got to go into it and have belief that we can win and go out there and do what we need to do." Dundee United will be without striker Milos Lacny. The Slovakian, on loan from Sparta Prague, has torn his cruciate ligament so will miss the remainder of the season. He will join countryman Filip Mentel (knee) on the sidelines. First-team regulars Johnny Russell and Gary Mackay-Steven have recovered from knocks, so could feature at Easter Road. United boss Peter Houston has urged his players to forget Hibernian's relegation problems and focus on their own bid for the top six. United are all but assured a place in the top half of the league when it splits next month but still need a point to shake off Kilmarnock. With Hibs involved in a scrap against the drop with Dunfermline - who appointed Jim Jefferies as their new manager this week - both teams have plenty for which to play. Houston's United have been in sparkling form since the turn of the year and he wants them to keep it going in the capital. He said: "We need to focus on our own issues and get the point we need to make sure of the top six. "Kilmarnock could still catch us, technically, so we need to keep going. "Once we're in there we will start looking at other things, it's all to play for. "St Johnstone are there as well and they're a really good, solid side. While Hearts are also on a great run of form at the moment. "So it's set up for an exciting end to the season, there are a few of us going for fourth place. "Hibs are dangerous opponents, I have watched them recently and they are fighting for everything. "And with Jim Jefferies going in at Dunfermline they will be expecting them to pick up so I'm sure Hibs will know they've got to keep at it. "The changes they have made have made an impact, with the likes of James McPake adding experience to their defence. "They have made some very good signings and are seeing the benefit of them."