HIBS defender Ian Murray is set to lose his race to recover from a groin injury in time for tomorrow's visit to Celtic Park.

HIBS defender Ian Murray is set to lose his race to recover from a groin injury in time for tomorrow's visit to Celtic Park.

Gordon Strachan's side could line up against the Easter Road side trailing Rangers in the title race, should the Ibrox club win at Aberdeen in the lunchtime kick-off.

The pressure will be on for the Hoops to take all three points from the Leith side.

Mixu Paatelainen's men are likely to be without Murray, however, who missed last week's win over St Mirren with the same groin complaint.

The 27-year-old has been receiving intensive treatment again this week but boss Paatelainen admitted this weekend could be too soon for a comeback.

"Ian is going okay, he's getting treatment and is improving slowly," said Paatelainen.

"But I don't know if he will be ready for Saturday."

Midfielder Dean Shiels, plagued by an ankle injury which has seen him sit out most matches over the past two months, is in the same position.

Although he has returned to training he won't be risked unless he can prove he is 100 per cent fit.

Paatelainen will have Scotland striker Steven Fletcher available after he sat out the Saints clash because of suspension but both he and Sol Bamba, who picked up another booking against the Buddies, will be banned for the visit of Motherwell the following week.

Paatelainen, meanwhile, has insisted that he will have a go at Celtic tomorrow.

The Hoops lost 2-0 at Easter Road last month and, when the teams met in Glasgow earlier in the season, it took two late goals from Celtic to seal a 4-2 win after Hibs had come back from two goals down to level the scores.

Celtic met an attacking Hibs team that afternoon, but against Rangers last month Paatelainen tried to frustrate the Ibrox side and eventually went down to a Kris Boyd strike.

However, he is expected to go out with an attacking team against Celtic.

The Parkhead side have been in stuttering form over the last few weeks and defensively are struggling for form.

As such, Hibs look as though they will attempt to put Strachan's side to the test.

Paatelainen said: "Why not go through there and have a go at them?"