Inverness CT v Hibernian squad news: Tokely prepared to fight for spot

Ross Tokely wants to remain at Inverness Caledonian Thistle© SNS Group

Inverness defender Ross Tokely is determined to stay and fight for his place at the Caledonian Stadium.

Tokely has made nearly 500 appearances since joining from Huntly in 1996 and is out of contract in the summer.

The 33-year-old does not want Saturday's Clydesdale Bank Premier League clash against Hibernian to be his farewell match but he will not be content to sit on the bench next season.

Asked if he was hopeful of remaining at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Tokely said: "Yeah, we have got a few things to discuss and we'll see.

"At my age I'm not wanting to be on the bench, or a squad player.

"I don't think I have the divine right to start every week but I should definitely get the chance to do that and if not then I'll look to get out and play somewhere else.

"I'll definitely fight for my place, if I'm not going to be a regular it won't be for me next year."

Inverness have no fresh concerns ahead of the clash against Hibernian, with defender Chris Hogg (knee) the only injury absentee.

Caley Thistle have not beaten Hibs this season and Tokely is determined to avoid a third straight defeat at home to Pat Fenlon's men.

William Hill Scottish Cup finalists Hibernian are poised to make changes for the last league match of the campaign.

With the final against Hearts on May 19, James McPake (groin), Tom Soares (Achilles), Pa Kujabi (hamstring) and Jorge Claros (foot) are unlikely to be risked and are set to join Danny Galbraith (groin) and Graham Stack (thigh) in missing out.

Leigh Griffiths and David Wotherspoon are available again following suspension, while club captain Ian Murray could make a farewell appearance with his contract due to expire this summer.

Murray is has been troubled with a hip injury which has seen his involvement limited of late.

The 31-year-old defender has played three times under Fenlon, twice as a substitute in the latter stages of matches and the full 90 minutes in the January 2 loss to Hearts, his most recent appearance.

"I'm ready to play," Murray said.

"It's a tough game, probably not the ideal game we needed right now.

"Anyone that takes the park on Saturday, we're all looking to get in the squad for that cup final."

Hibs can finally consider the cup after securing SPL survival against Dunfermline this week.

Following the semi-final win over Aberdeen, Murray admitted he would have sacrificed Hibs' top-flight status for victory in the Scottish Cup. It is a stance he maintains.

He added: "For Hibs fans the cup final's bigger. The cup's massive for us.

"People have got that wee sneaky feeling that it might just about be our year, but Hearts of course will have other ideas.

"We all know how big it is. It's a chance to win silverware and a cup we've not won for so long.

"Hearts won it in 1998 and 2006, so they've tasted success and know how it feels.

"They're heavy favourites and they'll fancy themselves."

Fenlon has been preoccupied with SPL survival and is still to address the futures of his out-of-contract players and eight loan players, meaning Murray is still in the dark as he prepares for what could be his final game for Hibs.

"I've heard nothing from anyone," said Murray.

"I love playing for Hibs and I love being here, being from Edinburgh and supporting the club.

"But also I have to do what's right for myself and what's right for my family.

"If my future is here, fantastic. I'd love to be here for the rest of my career and move into coaching.

"But if the club turns around and says no, you have to go and look somewhere else... I'm fully confident in my own ability.

"I still think I've got at least three or four years left to give at a decent level for some team."

Inverness CT squad: Esson, Golobart, Piermayr, Tansey, Foran, Tudur-Jones, Tade, Tokely, Sutherland, McKay, Winnall, Ross, Proctor, G Shinnie, Williams, Meekings, Doran, Gillet, A Shinnie, Hayes, Tuffey.

Hibernian squad: Brown, McPake, Kujabi, Hanlon, Doherty, Towell, Soares, Sproule, Osbourne, O'Donovan, O'Connor, Doyle, Francomb, Grant, Claros, O'Hanlon, Murray, Stevenson.

People who read this story also read