Nick Montgomery revealed Hibs have been training on artificial grass this week to prepare for a trip to the Tony Macaroni Arena.

The Easter Road manager and his players head for Livingston on Saturday afternoon as they seek to bounce back from Wednesday's 4-1 defeat to Celtic. But it's altogether different test in East Lothian against the Premiership's bottom side, and on the much-maligned plastic pitch.

Wintry weather conditions swept across Scotland last weekend, forcing a number of SPFL matches to be postponed, and freezing temperatures have persisted over recent days. The Hibernian Training Centre, however, has a synthetic surface which Montgomery's players have turned to this week, with grass parks still 'frozen or waterlogged'.

Montgomery is satisfied it's allowed his team to get a sufficient feel for what awaits them this weekend, and he insists they will give Livingston the utmost respect amid the Lions' torrid run of six consecutive defeats, and five matches without finding the net.

“We’ve got a synthetic pitch at the training ground," said Montgomery. "We’ve been training on it for the last week because the grass has been frozen or waterlogged. It’s good that we’re able to do that because the ball does run a bit differently [on the artificial turf].

“It’s the same for everybody who goes there - for Livingston it’s a strength; they train and play on it, so they’re used to it. It’s a tough place to go.

"Playing at home is a real strength for them and they make it difficult for everyone who goes there. We’re under no illusions.

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"It’s going to be tough and we will give them the respect they deserve. We also have to concentrate on playing our way because we want to get back on a run going into Christmas.”

Meanwhile, Hibs are talks with Strømsgodset over a permanent transfer for Elias Melkersen. The 20-year-old forward is currently on-loan in his native Norway with the Eliteserien outfit, but they are keen for him to make the switch full-time.

Montgomery had previously intimated that Melkersen could be part of his plans for the second half of the season, but it's understood Hibs are willing to let him move on for the right price.