All-out effort promised as Hibs seek elusive victory

ian paul

2 Jan 1993

DARREN Jackson intends to be a party pooper when he turns up at his old pal John Robertson's New Year shindig tonight.

The Hibernian man, who became friends with the Hearts striker when they were both with Newcastle United, hopes that his team will end their astonishing four-year run without beating their city rivals.

"If we do I'll certainly be at the party."

There may be no guarantee that John will be there in those circumstances.

Either way, these players look the key figures in what may be the last derby at Easter Road, if plans to build a new stadium are realised.

The top Hibs scorer is Jackson with nine goals, and Robertson the leader at Tynecastle with eight.

But the Hearts man has a special knack of scoring against their rivals and is poised to hit his 200th league goal for the club.

Jackson, who returns after injury, insists: "We will have to have a real go at them.

We did that in the first derby and, although it was a draw, we were unlucky not to win."

Hibs will have the important assistance of Graham Mitchell, who comes back after injury, but the club doctor will decide if Pat McGinlay, who has a broken bone in his hand, should take part.

Mickey Weir and Dave Beaumont are out.

Hearts will welcome back Ian Baird after a three-match suspension.

Apart from Baird's contribution as a target man, he is also a fresh player following his stint on the sidelines.

Aberdeen have Stephen Wright back in their squad for the sell-out Pittodrie meeting with Dundee.

Manager Willie Miller seeks only a continuation of the form of the recent past and it is easy to see why.

In their past 10 games, Aberdeen have scored 30 goals in a spell when they have been without strikers Duncan Shearer, Mixu Paatelainen, and Scott Booth at various times.

Even so, Miller does not treat Dundee lightly.

"We have been the better team in the outfield against them this season but have been behind twice and won only by 2-1 each time.

I'd like to see them have to come from behind for a change."

Dundee player-manager Simon Stainrod is a doutbful starter and Paul Ritchie stands by.

Goalkeeper Paul Mathers returns after suspension in place of Jim Leighton.

Dundee United, keen to build on their win over Celtic at Parkhead last week, may have to try to beat St Johnstone at Tannadice without Maurice Malpas and Duncan Ferguson, both of whom are doubtful.

As Saints were the last team to beat United seven games ago, the loss of both would be a severe setback, especially as United meet Rangers in midweek.

Partick Thistle newcomer Leigh Palin will make his debut for the club against Motherwell but, as Frank McAvennie has worn the Jags shirt for the last time (when he posed for the cameras at his "signing" press conference), and Gerry Britton is doubtful, Mark McWalter may be given the front-line role.

Motherwell will put Phil O'Donnell through a fitness test after he suffered ankle-ligament damage last week.

Airdrie will have Evan Balfour back after suspension for their game at Broomfield against Falkirk.

Yesterday they acquired Ayr United striker Greg Shaw, in a swop deal with Sam McGivern, although the new man will not play today.

Taken from the Herald