Pat Fenlon makes a goalkeeper and striker his priority

By DAVID HARDIE
Published on 05/07/2012 12:00

HIBS boss Pat Fenlon has put a goalkeeper and a striker at the top of his wish list as he bids to bring further new signings to Easter Road.

Graham Stack was released at the end of the season while Mark Brown’s contract also expired at this point although Hibs remain locked in talks with the 31-year-old who, having missed the start of pre-season training, has rejoined Fenlon’s squad at East Mains.

However, at present Fenlon only has youngsters Calum Antell, who spent last year on loan at East Stirling, and Paul Grant, with just one SPL game to his name, available,

It’s a similar picture up front where the release of top scorer Garry O’Connor, along with the return of Leigh Griffiths and Roy O’Donovan to their parent clubs at the end of their loan deals, has left Fenlon with Eoin Doyle as a lone striker, although teenager Ross Caldwell will be hoping to make the breakthrough this season. The Hibs manager said: “We are a bit light in those departments at the moment but, while we are working hard behind the scenes, we’ve nothing to report at the moment. Signing a goalkeeper and another striker are, though, a priority.”

But Fenlon is determined not to be rushed, pointing out how patience had resulted in James McPake returning on a two-year deal following last season’s highly-successful loan spell along with Partick Thistle midfielder Paul Cairney after the arrival of his first summer signing, Motherwell defender Tim Clancy.

Pointing out he’s consistently said getting quality players with the attributes he’s seeking can be a lengthy process, Fenlon said: “James we knew all about from his previous time here. Tim is the sort of player we believe can help us improve and we feel Paul will bring us that little spark in the middle of the park that we’ve perhaps been lacking a bit.”

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