TONY MOWBRAY today admitted time was rapidly running out for Michael Stewart and Chris Killen to make any further contribution to Hibs' season.

Midfield star Stewart and striker Killen limped out of action within minutes of each other during Hibs' defeat by Inverness Caledonian Thistle almost a month ago and haven't featured since.

And today boss Mowbray revealed he had no target date for either to return, with Stewart suffering from a persistent foot injury and Killen battling an ankle problem.

But, with only three matches remaining after today's fifth and final derby of the season against Hearts at Easter Road, the prospects of either Stewart or Killen making a return appear bleak.

Mowbray said: "Michael hasn't shown any signs of a recoveryat the moment. We'll give him every opportunity to play again but it's one of these where we'll just have to wait and see.

"We've been waiting for a long time now, though, and he's really no further on than he was a few weeks ago.

"It's a strange injury and it's one that could take weeks but could just as easily clear up next week. It's very difficult to put a timescale on it at the moment but there aren't too many games left.

"The players know I need them fit and they are spending every available minute trying to get fit but sometimes injuries just need time. However, with three games to go even if they do get fit, they'll have little impact on the rest of our season." Killen, pictured right, is in a similar position to Stewart, with Mowbray admitting he has been particularly frustrated at seeing a player who scored four goals in his first five starts for Hibs sidelined. He said: "Having lost Garry O'Connor, Chris was coming in to score goals and he did so.

"But I'm looking forward to having a fit Chris Killen next season when hopefully he can maintain a good goals-to-games ratio."

HIBS reserves will be seeking to clock up an eighth successive match without defeat when they face Falkirk away on Monday (2pm).

Taken from the Scotsman