New Hibs striker Shana Haji expected to make debut against Gala Fairydean!!

Hibs boss John Collins today revealed that new Iranian signing Shana Haji could make his first start for Hibs in a friendly against non league side Gala Fairydean on Friday night (7.30pm kick off).

Collins himself will play FOR Gala Fairydean (his home town club) against a Hibs U-19 side that could contain youngster Haji. Collins will also be parading the newly acquired CIS Cup that Hibs won on Sunday in the 5-1 thrashing of Kilmarnock.

Shana Haji has, so far, been frustrated since arriving in Scotland, because red tape has stopped him taking part in reserve games against Dunfermline & Aberdeen, but Hibs boss Collins is hopeful that Haji's clearance will come in time for the trip to the Borders.

The Hibs manager said:

"It kind of defeats the purpose in that Shana signed until the end of the season so we could have a closer look at him in games only for red tape to prevent us doing so.

"I've been told a public holiday in Iran has slowed the process down but the necessary paperwork should hopefully be in place later today or tomorrow.

"If that's the case then my aim would be to play him in Gala tomorrow.

"It's been hugely frustrating, more so for Shana.

"He's desperate for a game, he's been training like mad and now he just wants to play and show us what he can do, it's an unfortunate situation.

"On the other hand, the delay has allowed him to acclimatise to the way in which we train and by the time he does play he will know his team-mates well and they will know him."