Stubbs scours market for defensive cover

Despite the operation being described as a fairly routine procedure, it is understood Forster could face up to two months on the sidelines.

If Fontaine fails to shake off his knock, left-back Callum Booth is likely to partner Paul Hanlon against Hearts, as he did comfortably in last weekend's 4-0 win over Livingston.

Stubbs, who has lost out on the signings of Lewis Toshney and Paul Quinn to Ross County, admits he is still scouring the market for potential additions to the squad. "The best way to describe it is to say we are active," he explained. "We are looking at the availability of certain players and to see what we can do. It's unfortunate that we didn't get Paul Quinn across the line. That would have helped but he has chosen to join Ross County. But the search goes on."

Hibs are quietly growing in confidence after a five-game unbeaten run and midfielder Scott Robertson believes they are capable of ending Hearts' blistering start to the season. Robertson, who was sent off as Hearts won the first derby of the season 2-1 in August, says the team are finally adjusting to a new manager and the demands of football in the Championship.

"If we can get the win against Hearts, it will make the table look a lot better," said Robertson. "It was crucial to get the three points against Livingston last week, with the derby coming up. I thought the 4-0 win was well merited; we can take real confidence from that. We are adjusting to the manager and the way we need to play in this league and I think we have found a way of playing to pick up wins."

Hearts have certainly found a way to pick up wins and Robbie Neilson, the head coach, admits he wants his squad to play to their strengths and avoid being dragged into a fierce battle at Easter Road. The unbeaten Tynecastle side have established a nine-point lead in the Championship playing an exciting brand of football which is reflected in the fact they are Britain's highest scorers.

Recent Edinburgh derbies have been passionate affairs but bereft of of real quality and Neilson hopes Hearts can play their part in changing that on Sunday.

"I don't think we need to get fired up. It's trying to keep them calm really and making sure we do things properly. We're sitting at the top of the league and we are confident in our own ability. The players know if they go there and perform the way they can, they can get the result we want.

"Derbies are difficult games but I thought we tried to pass the ball in periods in the first game. Sometimes you do get periods where people start kicking it all over the place and panicking. But, hopefully, we can erase that. We haven't had that a lot in the rest of our games this season."

Neilson believes Hibs, who are 14 points adrift in fourth place, will also attempt to get the ball down after being impressed how Stubbs has gone about his business.

"At rival clubs you hear what is going on on the training ground and everything I am hearing seems to be positive; they are trying to do things similar to what we are trying to do here. And that's pleasing for football in general.

"I have met Alan a couple of times and he seems a decent guy. I expect them to try to beat us, to try to work hard and to try to pass the ball as well. I know they have been trying to do that, they've changed their formation a couple of times.

"I watched their game against Livingston and I thought they played really well. They have some good young players similar to us, so it will be an entertaining game."

Neilson hopes to have captain Danny Wilson available following a hamstring strain while eight-goal striker Osman Sow could return to training today after picking up a similar problem in the 5-1 win over Dumbarton.