Hibs winger Joe Newell insists he’s feeling better after ‘annoying’ injury

Hibs winger Joe Newell has insisted he is feeling much better, after missing the past few games with a foot injury.

The 26-year-old has been missing for the Premiership matches against Livingston, Hearts and Aberdeen, and also the Scottish Cup fixture against Inverness Caledonian Thistle with a foot injury.

Newell has proven to be a miss for the Hibees, with the club losing back-to-back games against Hearts and Aberdeen.

He was sidelined after sustaining a bruised bone against Kilmarnock last month and initially it wasn’t deemed too much of an issue.

He was named in the starting XI against Livi, but pulled up in the warm-up and was replaced by Lewis Stevenson.

Newell has now provided an update on his condition, and it’s positive news for Hibs fans.

He told Hibs TV: “I’m a bit better. I trained this morning [Thursday]. I’ve had a few little injuries throughout the season, but this one has probably been the most annoying.

“It was originally just bruising and it just hasn’t gone away. It was bruising inside the heel from just landing funny on the astroturf.

“There’s nothing you can do for it other than ice and rest. It’s been frustrating – obviously I was playing in the team at the time as well, so it’s been annoying.”

Manager Jack Ross added he was going to make a decision on Newell for the weekend based on his reaction to the training and his general fitness.

Big weekend for the Hibees

Hibs go into Saturday’s game with St Johnstone with a chance to put daylight between the sides in the table.

The Saints have gained ground recently with a win over Livingston and a draw against St Mirren, meaning Tommy Wright’s side are now breathing down Hibs’ neck just a point behind.

If Hibs are to seal that top-six finish, three points at Easter Road this weekend will give them a big push and perhaps a boost psychologically.