Hibernian V Dundee at Easter Road Stadium : Match Preview
Hibernian V Dundee - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.
McGivern looks to settled future
Ryan McGivern is aiming to help Hibernian achieve their potential this season before he thinks about a crucial decision in his career.
The Northern Ireland defender this week extended his loan deal from Manchester City until the summer, when he will be free to find a new club.
The 23-year-old is at his sixth loan club and is looking to put down some roots - and has not ruled out a permanent stay at Easter Road.
McGivern said: "I always wanted to stay and when the club said they wanted me I jumped at the chance
"My contract is up at the end of the season so it's a case of looking after myself and doing as well as I can between now and then.
"I will definitely be moving on from City in the summer. I'm at the stage of my career where I need to get out and settle down and improve myself.
"I have had quite a lot of loan spells and now is the time to settle down. You could say I'm in the shop window but I'm not looking at it like that.
"I'm just trying to do my best for Hibernian and hopefully we can have a really good season."
When asked if he could stay at Hibs beyond this season, McGivern said: "Possibly, yes. I'm just concentrating on doing as well as I can here and once the summer comes, whatever offers come my way then I will sit down and see what's best for myself."
While keeping Griffiths and McGivern was a huge short-term boost for manager Pat Fenlon, the Irishman has also been building for the future with the capture of St Johnstone midfielder Liam Craig on a pre-contract deal this week.
Fenlon told Hibernian TV: "He's a very good footballer and has a real eye for goal from midfield which is something that we could do with as well."
Hibernian midfielder Paul Cairney is suspended for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League visit of Dundee.
Ivan Sproule is another player to drop out after he left for Ross County.
Leigh Griffiths and Ryan McGivern are available after extending their loan spells while Jorge Claros is still contracted to the club until January 29 as Hibs seek to do the same with him.
Gary Irvine believes Dundee can use the negativity surrounding their Clydesdale Bank Premier League survival bid to put together a run that allows them to defy the odds and retain their top-flight status.
The Dark Blues sit bottom of the table, nine points adrift of Ross County and having played a game more than their nearest rivals.
Irvine, stand-in skipper after Stephen O'Donnell was ruled out for the rest of the campaign, knows most people expect a quick return to the Irn-Bru First Division for Barry Smith's men.
And he wants Dundee to use the fact they have been written off as motivation for staging an SPL comeback in the second half of the season.
The defender said: "It's us against the world, especially with everyone writing us off. But we have put ourselves in this position.
"It comes down to togetherness in the squad. We need everyone pulling in the same direction.
"We're in a tough situation here but some of the squad have experienced it at this club before.
"We've seen the tough times and come through them. We can do it again."
Dundee return to action after the winter break with a visit to Easter Road to face a Hibernian side who provided their last SPL win in November.
Nicky Riley is a doubt for Dundee with a slight calf strain but could still make the trip.
Boss Barry Smith has no other fresh injury worries, although skipper Stephen O'Donnell (knee) was ruled out for the rest of the season before the winter break.
Source : http://www.football.co.uk/hibernian/hibernian_v_dundee_at_easter_road_stadium___match_preview_rss3669699.shtml