Saints’ 5-1 success was the heaviest inflicted by any side on Hibs since John Hughes became their manager.

Kenny Deuchar was on the mark that night. However, an ankle injury sustained late in that game rules him out tomorrow.

However, Cillian Sheridan and Liam Craig, who both netted twice, are in the squad and looking to continue their scoring exploits against Hibs.

Cillian’s brace were his first Saints goals, and the McDiarmid Park side’s manager Derek McInnes is delighted with the on-loan Celtic striker.

“Cillian has been doing well and his two goals last time out against Hibs have boosted his confidence. I’m really pleased with the way he’s been performing.

“He’s fitted into the dressing-room and, on the pitch, he does particularly well when we go with two up front. I feel he can now kick on from here,” said Derek.

Although Saints were not in any way flattered by that 5-1 win, Derek knows they still face a difficult task tomorrow.

“I’m expecting a tough game. They’ll be looking to put that 5-1 reverse right behind them and we know we’ll have to play well to win. I’m well aware no two games are the same.”

With no match last Saturday, Derek revealed his players are “itching to get started and they’ve been looking good in training.”

Due to the adverse weather, Saints have had to train at times in Glasgow this week.

A lot of their players are based in the west of Scotland and, with the weather causing problems on parts of the A9 between Glasgow and Perth, a change in training plans has been needed.

“Although we’ve mostly been training indoors, they’ve been good sessions,” Derek went on.

Filipe Morais is now recovered from injury and is in the squad.

Collin Samuel, who recently underwent knee surgery, is also upping his fitness and he, too, is in the pool.

Jody Morris is suffering from a stomach problem and a decision on his participation will be taken nearer kick-off time.

Kevin Rutkiewicz, a long-term absentee, is progressing, as are Stuart McCaffrey and Peter MacDonald.

Martin Hardie is awaiting another knee op., but has been working hard in the training routines he’s able to accomplish.

As for Hibs, manager Hughes has told his underperforming Easter Road players to show “100% commitment” to the cause — or leave the club.

Hughes insists he will never “slaughter” his third-placed team — but wants to see a massive improvement in their recent record of one point from four SPL games, starting tomorrow.

“I only want boys here who, when they put that jersey on, give me 100% commitment,” he said.