Gordon set to face Hibs after Banks suffers head injury

Gordon was dropped for Saturday's 1-0 win over Dundee United, the club claiming their first-choice goalkeeper had been suffering from an illness, despite the fact he warmed up at Tannadice in a short-sleeved shirt and was fit enough to be on the bench. The Scotland No.1 was called to a disciplinary meeting with the club last week to explain his role in the 'Riccarton Three' but Ivanauskas said his omission from the side was not related to that hearing.

However Paul Hartley and Steven Pressley, who were both summoned to Tynecastle for similar discussions with club officials in recent weeks, were also dropped from the side for one match in the aftermath of their meetings.

Banks, who replaced Gordon on Tayside, suffered a heavy head knock as he clattered into the post while trying to save a free-kick from Barry Robson and required several minutes' treatment from the Tynecastle physios.

Ivanauskas admitted that Banks is doubtful for the Edinburgh derby but is hoping that Gordon will be fit enough to face John Collins' side. He said: "I hope that Craig will be okay for the game against Hibs. Craig was feeling not too good in the morning before the game against Dundee United and we did not want to take any risks because we knew that the derby game was coming up. I hope that he is okay for today."

He said Andrius Velicka and Bruno Aguiar had injury worries before Saturday's game but hoped they would be fit to face Hibs.

Taken from the Scotsman