Hibs new boy Nectar Triantis could be in from the start against St Mirren after Nick Montgomery admitted he was struggling for numbers in his backline.

Rocky Bushiri is still on international duty with the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations while Paul Hanlon is suffering from illness and won't be available for selection against the Buddies. The Easter Road side brought in two 20-year-old centre-backs on deadline day in Triantis from Sunderland and Owen Bevan from Bournemouth, and the Australian could start alongside Will Fish at the heart of defence in a new-look pairing. 

"With Nectar, he was one we looked at who wasn't available and then due to a knock-on effect of other clubs signing players, he became available. Paul Hanlon is off ill again at the minute which is unfortunate. He's had a couple of illnesses recently, so Nectar came in and goes straight into the squad to face St Mirren," Montgomery said as he spoke about the club's deadline-day activity. 

Less than two weeks ago, the Hibs head coach was forced to name a reduced bench for the Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Forfar Athletic owing to injuries and international duty but the clutch of new signings and those on the sidelines nearing a return means his squad is looking much healthier. 

"Apart from Paul being off ill, just about everyone is available for selection," he continued. "Chris Cadden got his first 45 minutes in a midweek reserve game so that was massive for his progress and he'll continue to build up minutes over the next couple of weeks; Adam Le Fondre played 45 minutes as well so that's two players who have been out for a good few months who could be back in contention soon.

"Jake Doyle-Hayes is up and down, it's been a frustrating time for him. We keep having the same conversations. Right now he's ticking along on his rehab but we're no closer to being able to give a date of a possible return to action."

Josh Campbell also remains sidelined and neither he nor his midfield colleague will be available for selection but with paperwork completed for the new signings, there could be several new faces making their first appearance for Hibs this weekend.