Hibs head coach Nick Montgomery has hinted that Josh Campbell could be included in a matchday squad for the first time this calendar year.

The versatile midfielder, who has also operated in defence and attack for the Easter Road side, suffered a nasty injury during the 1-0 Edinburgh derby defeat by Hearts in late December, with his head coach revealing that he had damaged his knee and his ankle at the same time. 

But the boyhood Hibee could be among the 20 players to be stripped when St Johnstone come calling this weekend - although whether he gets game time remains to be seen. Speaking after Lewis Vaughan's testimonial game during the recent international break, Montgomery admitted he would be keen for Campbell to take part in a bounce game before returning to the pitch. 

 “Josh has been training for the last couple of weeks," Montgomery said on Friday.

“The medical staff have worked really hard, just like they did with Chris Cadden and other players who have been out for a long time. It’s important that when players are reinterrogated back into first-team training that they are ready to be considered for selection.

“Everyone knows Josh is honest and a fantastic athlete, so in terms of fitness that’s not something he really misses, it’s more getting him back into the team training sessions. He will definitely be considered."

Campbell has played 21 times in all competitions so far this season, scoring five goals and registering one assist. He signed a new long-term deal with the capital club in February last year, tying him to Hibs until the summer of 2027. 

In other team news, Dylan Vente is unlikely to be available for selection as the Dutchman works his way back to fitness following an ankle injury while Lewis Miller and Luke Amos are also unlikely to feature.

"It always seems like we get two back and then lose two. They’re all important players," Montgomery continued. 

Martin Boyle returned to action as a second-half substitute against Rangers last weekend after being hospitalised with concussion in last month's Scottish Cup match at Easter Road against the same opponents and is available once again. 

Team from: Marshall, Wollacott, Cadden, Whittaker, Fish, Bushiri, Hanlon, Stevenson, Obita, Triantis, Moriah-Welsh, Levitt, Newell, J MacIntyre, Campbell, Marcondes, Boyle, Youan, Myziane, Jair, Mayenda, Le Fondre.