Hinchcliffe last played for the first team in a League Cup against St. Johnstone game near the end of August. He was named in the team to face Brechin City a few days after that match, however picked up an injury in the warm up and was replaced by Smith.
It had been thought that Hinchcliffe was fit again as he had been on the bench for a few games, however he has recently disappeared to be replaced with youth keeper Daniel McColgan, and it now seems that his season is over.
As if this wasn't bad enough, it's possible that McColgan could find himself playing against Hamilton on Saturday as there are doubts of Smith's fitness. There are rumours that the young keeper is not fit, and Saints boss Gus MacPherson didn't deny them at yesterday's AGM when asked about the goalkeeping situation.
With all due respect to McColgan, I wouldn't want him playing Hamilton on Saturday so let's hope that Smith is fit or we can get someone else in.
Story source: The Paisley Daily Express