THE Hibernian midfielder Dylan McGeouch insists extending Kris Commons' stay at Easter Road until the end of the season would put a ‘massive marker down’ in the club’s pursuit of Ladbrokes Championship title glory.

Attacking midfielder Commons' month-long emergency loan stint from Celtic will expire after today’s trip to Dumbarton and, despite Neil Lennon making it clear that he wants to retain the 33-year-old, talks between the two clubs and the player are still ongoing.

The Scotland internationalist has started the Leith side’s four previous matches and was the match-winner in the narrow 2-1 victory at Falkirk on New Year's Eve, netting a thunderous free-kick in the 87th minute.

McGeouch was a team-mate of Commons’ at Celtic Park and is hopeful that the playmaker will decide to pledge his immediate future to Hibs.

“It would give us all a massive lift,” said McGeouch, who has started the last three matches after being hampered by niggling injuries during the first half of the campaign. “When you think of the level he’s played at, the goals he’s scored and all these games he’s played in, it would put a massive marker down.

“On the pitch, he’s great to have around. His awareness on the ball and ability is beyond question. I have had the pleasure of playing with him for a few years and learning off him so it is good to have him around the place.

‘He’s still the same player I played with at Celtic. You don’t lose that – it’s only been a few years. You can still see he’s got the quality on the ball. He’s had a few games now and you can see with every game he’s progressively getting better, fitter and sharper. If we can get him to the end of the season, we’ll see the benefits of that.”

The Hibs players have hitherto refrained from badgering Commons about his future plans, but McGeouch admits that could change after their visit to the Cheaper Insurance Direct stadium.

He added: “It’s not got to the stage where we are trying to persuade him. Maybe after Saturday a few of the boys will give him a text to convince him to stay. But it’s between him and the two clubs so it’s out of our hands. As a team we would love to keep him.”

Hibs head coach Lennon has already warned about the pitfalls of playing at Dumbarton’s exposed adrenaline-sapping ground, just eight days after the team romped to a 3-0 victory over title rivals Dundee United in front of nearly 19,000 supporters under the Easter Road floodlights.

A Jason Cummings penalty settled the last meeting between the sides at the Rock in September and McGeouch admits the trip west presents its own unique challenges.

“It is easier to go and play in front of 19,000 supporters at home,” said the 23-year-old. "It is not all in the head as adrenalin carries you through in a packed house under the floodlights. Away to Dumbarton on a cold day, they will make it difficult for us and these are the sort of challenges that you need to overcome.

“You have to give them credit as they know how they are going to play and they will set up to be compact and make life difficult. Dumbarton have made it difficult for us over the past few years. These are challenges you have to overcome if you want to win leagues.”

Should Lennon again decide to play with out-and-out wingers Chris Humphrey and Martin Boyle, two players that terrorised United last Friday, then McGeouch would be more than happy to play the defensive midfielder role against the Sons.

He added: “It was a different game for me last week – playing with the two wingers. I was having to sit with Marvin Bartley in there, breaking up play, running about and chasing. Before, when we were playing a diamond, I had more licence to go forward and get on the ball. It’s great when we do have the ball that we can give it to the wingers as they can hurt teams. I’m happy to play in any system that’s working.”

Meanwhile, the club will begin their defence of the William Hill Scottish Cup in front of a sell-out Tynecastle after all 12,500 tickets for next Saturday’s fourth round tie against Bonnyrigg Rose were snapped up.

The Leith side, who beat Rangers 3-2 in last May’s final to end 114-years of cup agony, have shifted their entire allocation of around 7500, while junior outfit Rose have sold 4900 seats for the match.

Bonnyrigg were granted permission by the Scottish FA to move the game from their 3000 capacity New Dundas Park to Hearts’ home ground.

However, the main stand will not be open to supporters for the clash due to ongoing building work regarding the redevelopment of the main stand at Tynecastle.

Former Hibs manager Alan Stubbs and number two John Doolan, who masterminded the historic victory over Rangers, will attend the match as special guests of the club.

A Hibs spokesperson said: “Hibernian’s allocation of tickets for the William Hill Scottish Cup Fourth Round tie away to Bonnyrigg Rose have now sold out.

“The match marks the club’s defence of the trophy, with supporters eager to attend the tie at Tynecastle against the East Region Super League champions.

“There are still limited places available in our hospitality offering at Easter Road, with supporters being joined by special guests Alan Stubbs and John Doolan.”