And that raises the intriguing prospect of Darren McCormack going head-to-head with Calum Elliot only days after being convicted of assaulting the Hearts striker.

Paatelainen was due to learn today whether referee Stevie O'Reilly will refer his dismissal of Chris Hogg to the SFA's review panel thus releasing the defender to play at Tynecastle.

But if O'Reilly sticks to his guns Hogg will join skipper Rob Jones, Sol Bamba and Colin Nish, each of whom will be completing a two-match ban tomorrow, on the sidelines, so giving Paatelainen a major headache in central defence.

While Ian Murray and Steven Thicot appear to be the most likely candidates, 20-year-old McCormack could also come into the equation as might some of the Easter Road club's successful Under-19 side.

Other than disclosing that David van Zanten is likely to be fit after taking a painful boot in the face against Dundee United at the weekend, Paatelainen was unwilling to discuss who might or might not be playing.

He said: "The injury situation is poor, we have quite a number of players missing, around ten. I won't name any names, we will keep that to ourselves and get on with it."

Asked specifically if McCormack or any of the seven kids who will join his first-team squad next season were in contention, Paatelainen retorted: "Any player who is available comes into my thoughts.

"We have a squad and from those that are left I will pick a team I feel is most capable of beating Hearts."

While admitting the threadbare side he will reveal just before kick-off faces a tough task in the hostile atmosphere of the Gorgie ground, Paatelainen insisted those involved must show a mental toughness in adversity.

He said: "The players will be ready physically but it is important they are also ready mentally and don't let speculation about injuries, suspensions and players missing affect them at all.

"They are professional players who have to go out there, do their job and look after themselves and the team.

"It will be difficult, Hearts have invested a lot in players, they pay big wages and have been able to attract quality players.

"But we have already beaten them this season so we know we can do it. The most important thing is the players go out there and apply themselves correctly both when we have the ball and when we don't.

"Each of them must be sharp and concentrate on doing the job they are given."

Meanwhile, Hibs reserves wrapped up their season with a 2-0 defeat by Falkirk at Linlithgow.

Taken from the Scotsman