SPL preview: Pat Fenlon hopes to have James McPake back in Hibs defence for key clash at Dundee

The highly influential central defender missed last weekend’s victory over Dundee United at Easter Road with a back complaint.

Hibs boss Pat Fenlon has also revealed that McPake could be joined by right-back Tim Clancy, who has sat out the last two games with a stomach tear.

While the Leith side have a two-point lead at the summit, the Dark Blues have struggled this season with a clutch of key players in and out with injury.

However the Dundee manager Barry Smith said that he and his team will approach the fixture with “a wee bit of confidence as we are getting some consistency.”

Celtic have the chance to go back to the top before Hibs are in action as the Hoops take on Aberdeen in today’s lunchtime kick-off.

Neil Lennon’s side are expected to be without teenage striking sensation Tony Watt after he hurt an ankle against St Johnstone last time out.

The 18-year-old, who scored the winner against Barcelona, has signed a new four-year contract and should be available for the Champions League meeting with Benfica in Lisbon on Tuesday.

Victor Wanyama, Gary Hooper and James Forrest are all likely to miss the trip to Pittodrie with injury and illness but Lassad Nouioui could feature.

Meanwhile the Dons, who are just a point behind Celtic, are hoping to have rising star Ryan Fraser back for the visit of the champions.

Elsewhere Inverness Caledonian Thistle take on Motherwell at home on Sunday, giving St Johnstone the chance to leapfrog Terry Butcher’s fourth-placed side when they play Ross County in Perth tomorrow afternoon.

Hearts, who have been struggling financially, face St Mirren at Tynecastle with both sides near the foot of the league and desperate for points.

Finally in the Third Division David Templeton is unlikely to be risked when leaders Rangers take on East Stirlingshire on astroturf at Ochilview.

The winger has resumed full training after picking up an ankle injury on a similar plastic surface at Annan back in September.

Ally McCoist has also revealed that Brazilian centre-back Emilson Cribari will be missing for at least five weeks with a torn calf.