ST MIRREN boss Danny Lennon has been given a double fitness boost ahead of the Buddies' relegation clash with Hibernian this weekend.

The Paisley side moved out of the play-off zone with victory over Motherwell a fortnight ago and host Terry Butcher's side aiming to extend their advantage over Partick Thistle at the foot of the standings.

Midfielder Paul McGowan was forced off midway through the first half against the Steelmen but has made the most of the Premiership break as he bids for a place in the Saints side on Saturday while keeper Marian Kello is making progress on the road to recovery from a groin injury.

The Hibs clash is the first of five huge fixtures for the Buddies that will determine their destiny as they fight it out with the Easter Road side, Thistle, Ross County and Kilmarnock to avoid 11th place this term.

And Lennon is pleased his players have reaped the rewards of the latest top-flight hiatus as they look to hit the ground running when they return to action this weekend.

He said: "We gave the players a couple of days off during the break and it has given us some time to recover and look forward to the next five games.

"Having a free weekend has given one or two players who were carrying a couple of knocks time to recover and move closer to full fitness.

"We have got five very important games coming up, starting with Hibernian on Saturday, and it would be good to have a full complement of players to choose from in the coming weeks.

"Paul McGowan had to come off against Motherwell but he has trained in the last few days and seems fine and Marian Kello is making good progress as well.

"You don't plan week to week, you plan well in advance so we knew what the fixtures would be and what that would bring us.

"It was a really important win for us against Motherwell and a very valuable three points.

"That means we can now look forward to Hibernian this weekend."