Former Hearts stars to play for Hibs XI

FORMER Hearts stars Alan McLaren and Tosh McKinlay are set to cross the Edinburgh football divide and play for an Auld Hibs XI in a testimonial match against Newtongrange Star at New Victoria Park this weekend.

The duo will line up alongside the likes of Keith Wright, Gordon Hunter, Gordon Rae, Mickey Weir and Darren Jackson for the match to honour Newtongrange stalwarts Kevin Milne and David Buchan who have given the club ten years of service.

Sunday's match comes a week before a testimonial dinner on May 28 at Newtongrange social club where Terry Christie and Partick Thistle boss Dick Campbell will be guest speakers.

Buchan said: "When I first started with Newtongrange I didn't think for a second that I'd still be here ten years later.

"There's not many guys that rack up that number of years but I've enjoyed my time and never thought about leaving.

"It's great that the club are honouring myself and Kevin in this way and I'm really looking forward to the game. I'm a Hearts fan so it will be nice to try to get one over on a Hibs side!" Wright, who will line-up in attack for the Hibs side, revealed he is looking forward to catching up with some old friends.

"To have spent ten years with one team is a real achievement, not many players do that nowadays and it is a pleasure to be able to help recognise that fact," he said.

"There are a few former Hibs players involved, it is always nice to meet up with them and we're hoping there will be a good turnout.

"We're looking forward to the game and I'm sure everyone involved will enjoy it.

"Alan McLaren and Tosh McKinlay will both be playing for the Hibs side so we're hoping there will be a few photographs taken because we're not likely to see them in a Hibs strip very often!"

And with the senior football season now at an end, Newtongrange secretary Rob Clark is hoping the crowd will be swelled somewhat.

"Hopefully a few extra Hibs fans may come along and boost the crowd a wee bit if they are missing their football," he said.

"We'd also like to see as many Newtongrange fans as possible make it as these guys have been great servants to the club."

Sunday's match kicks-off at 2pm and admission costs £4 for adults and £2 for concessions.

Taken from the Scotsman