Hibs forward Harry McKirdy made a long-awaited return to the training pitch on Friday as he took part in some drills ahead of the visit of Celtic on cinch Premiership business on Saturday afternoon.

The 26-year-old has been sidelined since July, after routine pre-season tests revealed a heart issue that required surgery and while his return to action will be some way off yet as he continues his recovery, having him out on the grass with the group will be a boost for the player, squad, and coaching staff.

Head coach Nick Montgomery said last week that the former Swindon Town favourite was 'working hard with the nutritionist,' adding: "He's obviously lost a lot of weight but he's putting it back on. He's had a really traumatic experience but he's back in with the boys, and the boys love him. "We know he's a really talented player but from what he's been through, he needs to take his time. He's got to have the strength and the power to train with an elite group of players. It's about not rushing him."

Landers handed chance to impress

The first-team squad was also joined by 16-year-old forward Josh Landers, who notched two assists in Monday's bounce game against Sunderland. The Borderer, who made a goalscoring debut for the club's under-18s in a Scottish Youth Cup victory over Montrose in October 2021 at the age of just 14, has been in fine form for both the development side and the under-18s this season and was on the scoresheet during the SPFL Trust Trophy victory over Formartine United in August.

He was also part of the squad for the UEFA Youth League matches last season and featured off the bench against Molde and Nantes at Easter Road, and he has seven caps for Scotland Under-16s. A centre-forward by trade, Landers can also operate out wide, which would make him a good fit in Montgomery's fluid front four.

Hibs Observer: Chris Cadden is put through his paces at HTCChris Cadden is put through his paces at HTC (Image: Ross Parker / SNS Group)

Cadden continues rehab

Another Hibee who hasn't kicked a ball this season is Chris Cadden, who suffered a torn Achilles during the latter stages of the final game of last season against Hearts. The versatile right-sided player made a welcome return to running earlier this week and continued his rehab on the HTC astroturf under the watchful eye of lead physiotherapist Gav Dempsey although like McKirdy, he remains some way off from a return to the pitch.