HIBS boss Terry Butcher predicts an Easter Road classic when his young players meet Dundee United's crop of teenagers.

Butcher has put youth at the heart of his bid to transform Hibs with under-20s players Sam Stanton, Jordon Forster, Alex Harris and Danny Handling all starting recent games.

Stanton was rewarded for scoring two goals in his first four starts for Hibs by being called into the Scotland Under-21 squad along with Handling this week.

They face young United talent such as teenage Scotland squad member Andrew Robertson and Scotland Under-21 captain Stuart Armstrong on Friday night. Injury could keep Ryan Gauld and John Souttar out.

"Six of the starting 11 last week have all come through the system," Butcher said. "The average age of the team last Saturday was 24, the third youngest in the Premiership. We are just behind Dundee United and, of course, Hearts.

"It shows what a good blend we have and a very bright future for the club. We are talking contracts with some of these boys to try to keep them here."

Butcher's side have got four points from two games since their William Hill Scottish Cup exit. He added: "It should be a classic football match because both teams like to get it down and pass it.

"We know if we allow Dundee United to play and get on the ball and pass and move as they can, they are well capable of cutting us open.

"Having said that, we played well against them in early January up at Tannadice, and but for the last 10 minutes we would have won. Two-all looks a decent result but we were 2-0 up with 10 minutes left."