Lee Johnson has revealed Harry McKirdy could face internal disciplinary action over a now-deleted post on Instagram.

After being an unused substitute in Hibs' win over the Buddies, the 26-year-old uploaded a picture of an empty park bench with the caption: 'Chels. Nina (his girlfriend). Golf. Hibs’.

It is the second time this season the forward has made an ill-advised comment on social media after he said on an official Swindon Town post in November ‘no wrong’ in reply to a fan who told him ‘Time to come back now’.

McKirdy has only managed five starts in a total of 19 appearances this season after making the move from Swindon last summer.

Johnson said: “What I want is players to respect their team-mates. So yes, conversations have been had and are being had at the moment with Harry.

READ MORE: Hibs sign Elie Youan in permanent transfer from FC St Gallen

"Do I think he's a bad lad? Absolutely not. Do I think he's emotive, particularly at those times on a Saturday night? Yes.

"We'll decide what the best course of action with him is, not only for the good of the team but also to support players like that. 

“There's a lot of stick that flies about on the back of social media comments like that and these lads are desperate to play, they're desperate to perform and there's a lot of pressure on them.

"There are two sides to it. We've got systems in place to protect our players, but also to reprimand if we feel that's required.”

Asked if McKirdy can turn his Hibs career around, Johnson added: “I don't see any reason why he can’t.”

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