BY DARREN JOHNSTONE @CCP_Sport
Hibs have launched their bid to have midfielder John McGinn available for the crucial top of the table clash with Rangers after submitting an appeal against his red card.
The influential McGinn was dismissed by referee Kevin Clancy two minutes before half-time in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Falkirk after catching Bairns midfielder Mark Kerr with a late challenge inside the box.
Serious foul play offences trigger automatic two-game bans, meaning the Scotland Under-21 captain faces missing Saturday’s clash with Queen of the South and the December 28 showdown at Ibrox.
However, Hibs yesterday lodged an official appeal against the ordering off, with the case set to be heard on Thursday.
Hibs head coach Alan Stubbs said: “He’s just overstretched for it, you’ve seen him do that and win the ball and I’ve got to say when you look back, it is malicious? Not at all.
“Has he caught him? Yeah, he has but you could easily have seen a yellow card given.
“You’ve seen in occasions that they’ll give a red card but he’s in control and even (Falkirk manager) Peter Houston has said it’s a yellow card.
“Peter’s certainly experienced and I would like to think that I’ve played a couple of games and have a good idea on it.”
McGinn has been a stand out performer for Hibs since his summer switch from Paisley and was named man of the match in last month’s victory over Rangers at Easter Road.
