Hibernian 0-0 Excelsior: Scott Bain & Jamie Maclaren make Hibs bows, while Liam Fontaine is welcome starter

HIBERNIAN 0-0 EXCELSIOR

BY ALAN TEMPLE, Algarve – @CCP_Sport

SCOTT BAIN and Jamie Maclaren made their debuts for Hibs, while Liam Fontaine stepped up his recovery from injury, as Neil Lennon’s men played out a 0-0 draw with Eredivisie side Excelsior.

Mike van Duinen and Stanley Elbers came close for the Dutch cracks, who are managed by former Motherwell defender Mitchell van der Gaag on Tuesday afternoon.

However, the low key clash – played behind closed doors at Hibs’ Algarve base – was notable for Bain playing the full match between the sticks for the first time since joining on loan from Dundee.

Maclaren was afforded a run out in the second half in torrential conditions but had scant opportunity to mark his outing with a goal.

Liam Fontaine, who is yet to make a league appearance this term, also made his long awaited return from injury following ankle surgery.

Hibs face Willem II on Friday as they continue preparations for the second half of the campaign.