By Brian McLauchlin

Benjelloun spent last season on loan to clubs in Belgium

Wayward Hibernian striker Abdessalam Benjelloun has returned to Easter Road after his transfer to Egyptian champions Al Alhy fell through.

Hibs manager John Hughes had accused the 24-year-old of being disrespectful for trying to engineer a move and for missing pre-season training.

But Hughes told the BBC: "He has come back with his tail between his legs.

"I think he had to and had to apologise to a few people at the club - and not just to me and the supporters."

Benjelloun appears likely to be disciplined by Hibs, with Hughes warning that "it's not done and dusted in terms of what is going to happen to him".

But the manager now insists that the Morocco international, who was on loan to Belgian clubs Charleroi and Roeselare last season, still has a future with the Scottish Premier League club.

If he adopts the right mind-set, you're not telling me I don't have a player on my hands Hibernian manager John Hughes

"One thing for sure is that he has that talent and, if I can keep him on a tight reign, I think I can get him to produce the goods," said Hughes.

"He has come back very lean and we now need to get him match fit.

"I laid the marker down and told him it is a new regime here at this football club, we like to play football and no doubt he will like that style.

"If he adopts the right mind-set, you're not telling me I don't have a player on my hands."

Meanwhile, Benjelloun's Morocco colleague, Merouane Zemmama, is struggling to be fit for Saturday's opening SPL fixture against St Mirren.

The midfielder sat out the weekend friendly draw with Bolton Wanderers after picking up a thigh strain.

Zemmama, forward Jonatan Johansson and striker Kurtis Byrne, who required minor surgery this week on an injury, will be assessed again later this week.

Summer signing Graham Stack is likely to miss out after pulling a hamstring in training shortly after joining the Edinburgh club.

The goalkeeper had been working with the physios at the Blackburn Rovers Training Centre but was hoping to step up his training this week.

Versatile Ian Murray, who has been playing at left-back during pre-season, will definitely miss the Buddies' visit as he is suspended for the opening games.

However, full-back Paul Hanlon is expected to recover from illness in time to be available for selection.

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