Both players took knocks in the 1-1 draw against Inverness at the weekend, although O'Brien's absence is more of a precautionary measure.

Hibs host Morton at Easter Road in the second round of the competition and Paatelainen admitted that it was a blow to be without the Irishman, who has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks after struggling to establish himself last season.

The Finn is also without Steven Thicot and Kevin McCann, although goalkeeper Yves Ma-Kalambay is back in contention after returning from the Olympics with Belgium.

Paatelainen said: "Alan took a knock on his knee during the match against Inverness at the weekend, it's more of a niggle than anything else but we didn't want to risk making it any worse.

"It's unfortunate for Alan because he has had a good run in the side and has hit good form.

"He has had a regular place in the starting line-up in the pre-season games and the first few games of the SPL because he has performed well in those matches and in training. And I think that there is still plenty to come from him as well.

"Everyone has a different role to play in the team and Alan has real pace, he always worries opposition defences. We will miss that tonight, but we have other players who are waiting for their chance, and hopefully it will only be the one game that he misses."

Ma-Kalambay has spent the last month with the Belgium squad at the Beijing Olympics where they reached the last four and Paatelainen is delighted to be back up to his full complement of goalkeepers again, adding: "Maka is back and will be in the squad for tonight's game. He trained with us for the first time yesterday and is keen to be back playing again. It is good he is back because it gives us more strength in numbers in that area and he is a quality keeper too. His height gives us something extra and it is always good for players to be involved with their national side because it gives them confidence and the chance to recognise that they are among the best in their country."

Meanwhile Abdessalam Benjelloun, who has joined Charleroi on loan until January, revealed today that he is hoping to make his move to Belgium permanent.

The Moroccan striker has been farmed out after struggling with his fitness and being unable to hold down a regular first-team spot last season.

He made his first appearance for the Belgian side at the weekend, stepping off the bench to net the winner five minutes from time in the 1-0 victory over Roeselare.

The striker said: "There is an agreement in my contract that gives Charleroi the chance to buy me before january. If Charleroi decide to use this option, I will be happy. I wanted to leave Hibs because I need to try something new."