By Graeme Dey

ST JOHNSTONE have fixed up a closed doors game with Dundee United tomorrow to aid their preparations for next Tuesday’s Homecoming Scottish Cup tie against Rangers.

That follows Saints failing in a move to try and play their outstanding first division fixture with Ross County, which was KO’d at the weekend by a frozen pitch, this evening.

The Perth club haven’t seen action since beating Clyde at home on December 27 and, anxious to avoid tackling Rangers handicapped by having been without a game for 17 days, boss Derek McInnes sought the agreement of County to re-arrange the fixture between the clubs.

“We had a feeling last week the Ross County game would be off and it’s disappointing that’s how it turned out as we wanted to keep playing,” he said.

“We tried to get the match played this week but they wanted a full week to prepare for their cup tie.

“So we’ll play United in a bounce game instead and will give everyone who is fit some part of that one with a view to topping up their fitness.”

Another priority for McInnes is determining whether Hibs are going to clear on-loan left-back Paul O’Hanlon to line up against Rangers.

O’Hanlon is due to return to Easter Road later this month and his club, who face Hearts on Sunday, may not be prepared to have him cup-tied for fear he might be needed by them later on in the competition.

However, Hibs haven’t yet ruled out the possibility of the player remaining at McDiarmid Park for the rest of the campaign, hence McInnes seeking discussions with opposition number Miksu Paatelainen.

“I’m trying to speak to Miksu,” he confirmed.

“The agreement was we’d look at Paul’s situation a couple of weeks into January.

“But it’s maybe going to come to a head sooner because of the cup game and our need to ask for permission to play him.

“I think if it’s their intention to hold on to Paul then we won’t be allowed to involve him against Rangers.

“But in saying that they play on the Sunday and if they get knocked out then we might have him for our cup tie but still not know whether he’s going to remain with us for the rest of the season.

“As it stands his loan is due to run out a week before the window closes and I have asked Hibs for as early an indication as possible regarding their intentions so I can bring someone else in if I have to.

“Paul’s done well but we do have other options.”

McInnes yesterday expressed fears that key midfielder Martin Hardie is in danger of missing the cup tie.

“Martin has been having back and pelvic problems and we’ve now found out he’s also got a small tear of the hamstring which requires rest,” revealed the manager.

“He’s needing a week to 10 days out, so as things stand he’s doubtful for the Rangers game.”

Saints also have Peter McDonald, Kevin Moon and Steven Milne sidelined at the moment, though it’s thought that trio will have recovered in time.

McDonald (calf) is expected to return to training later in the week as should Kevin Moon (hip).

Milne (thigh) would have missed the game against Ross County had it gone ahead as planned but McInnes is hopeful that a combination of rest and treatment should ensure he is ready for the cup clash.

Briefs for the game are still on sale to Saints voucher and season ticket holders.

So far around 2500 have been snapped up. Rangers have an allocation of around 4700 tickets.