MOTHERWELL skipper Phil O'Donnell has suffered a setback in his bid to return to action from an Achilles injury.

Manager Maurice Malpas had hoped to have the veteran midfielder back in action early next month.

However, former Celtic and Sheffield Wednesday star O'Donnell has broken down in training.

And he will return to hospital to see a specialist next week to determine the extent of the problem.

Malpas confirmed: "Phil has suffered a wee setback and will need to go back and see what has to be done about it.

"He has reached a certain stage in his fitness and can't get any further forward. It is disappointing as we had hoped to have him back soon. Hopefully, this won't be anything too serious and a bit of rest will be all that he needs in order to progress."

Meanwhile, Malpas has backed his troops to get a result against Hibs tomorrow when they line up for their first game in three weeks.

And you can be sure the Steelmen will want to eradicate the painful memory of a 6-1 thrashing at Fir Park last time they met Hibees in November.

Maurice said: "Hopefully, the game this weekend will go ahead. Players train all week and look forward to a Saturday. It is frustrating for them not to play.

"We got an absolute doing last time we played Hibs, but that is in the past now and has no relevance to this match.

"Hibs are a very good young side and are particularly dangerous at their own ground.

"Last time we played them we gave the ball away far too often in midfield, and we need to make sure that doesn't happen again.

"If we can retain possession, then we can compete. I hope the postponements in the last fortnight will mean the team are fresh and ready."

Meanwhile, Malpas confirmed that he has received no offers for striker Scott McDonald despite speculation linking him with Rangers.