Hibernian face a goalkeeping crisis ahead of next week’s trip to Celtic after former Rangers boss Mark Warburton opted to recall Dillon Barnes back to QPR.
The 24-year-old had been thrust into action after regular Easter Road number one Ofir Marciano suffered an injury in the win over St Mirren just before Christmas.
He was in between the sticks as Jack Ross’ team suffered successive losses to Rangers, Ross County and Livingston.
However, with QPR number one Seny Dieng reportedly attracting interest from a number of Premier League clubs, Warburton has decided he needs Barnes back down in London.
For Hibs, it means unless Marciano can shake off his hamstring troubles or a new stopper can be sourced, Ross will have to turn to goalkeeping coach Craig Samson when the Leith outfit head to Parkhead on Monday.
Samson, 36, has been on the bench for the last three games but the former Kilmarnock and St Mirren keeper has not tasted first-team action since November 2018.
Ross, however, is trying not to panic and told the club’s official website: “Dillon goes with our best wishes and I’d like to thank him for his contribution this season.
“He’s been a well-liked member of the group, whose attitude has been first class since the day he arrived at the Hibernian Training Centre.
“Our goalkeeping coach, Craig Samson, has been equally pleased with his efforts.
“Dillon has performed well when he’s had the opportunity to play – especially in our recent game at Ibrox when Ofir Marciano missed out through injury.
“However, we understand the desire for regular first-team football.”
Barnes added: “I’ve loved every minute of my time at Hibs. I’ve been made to feel very welcome by everyone at the club and it’s been a great experience all-round.
“I’ve learned a lot that I’ll take with me, and it’s been a pleasure working on a daily basis with the coaching staff and the other goalkeepers.
“I’ll always look out for the Hibs score on a Saturday and it goes without saying that I hope the boys have a great second half of the season.”
