Alan Stubbs has demanded a response from Hibs "unacceptable" defeat by Alloa when they host Scottish Championship bottom club Cowdenbeath.

The Easter Road outfit are looking to bounce back from three consecutive league defeats which left their title challenge in tatters before the season was a month old.

Stubbs, who could hand debuts to on-loan Celtic player Dylan McGeouch and strikers Dominique Malonga and Jake Sinclair, said: "Make no mistake, the result and performance at Alloa was unacceptable.

"I know that and the players know that - it was a huge disappointment, mistakes were made and lessons learned.

"I want to see a proper response from my squad. I want to see a burning desire to be the best; anything less than 100% won't be tolerated.

"We can't allow ourselves to drift otherwise we will be punished in this league - everybody has to show the diligence and professionalism to get the job done properly.

"The players within our squad have to fight every day to prove they're worthy of a place in the team. They have to prove it to me, the coaches, the squad and, most of all, to themselves."

Hearts look to continue their perfect start against a Dumbarton side managed by former Hibs captain Ian Murray.

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson said: "He's done fantastically well. We were captains playing against each other, but I get on really well with Ian.

"I did a lot of my licences with him down at Largs. He has taken Dumbarton probably further than anyone expected.

"He took over when they were facing relegation and turned it round.

"I know Ian enjoys his time there, but it's only a matter of time before he moves on to a bigger job."