We have all the strikers we need, says Pat Fenlon as focus switches to other targets

Published on 23/08/2012 11:58

HIBS manager Pat Fenlon believes he has enough fire-power to see him through the season and will now concentrate on strengthening other areas of his team.

The Irishman admitted today that he is happy with the options available to him in the striking department following the 
arrival of Shefki Kuqi last week.

Kuqi, 35, became his eighth signing of the summer when he put pen to paper on a one-year deal after his contract with 
Oldham expired at the end of last season. The Finnish internationalist made his debut at the weekend, coming on as a late substitute in the 2-1 victory over St Mirren at Paisley.

Kuqi’s appearance, combined with Leigh Griffiths’ double against Danny Lennon’s men and Ross Caldwell’s hat-trick for the Under-20s in their 8-1 thrashing of the Buddies earlier this week, not to mention Eoin Doyle’s fine form of late, has left Fenlon feeling positive about the striking department.

However, he is keen to add strength in depth to both the midfield and defence, if he can, before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

Fenlon said: “You are always looking to improve things and the players we have brought in so far have certainly done that. I would still like to bring in

a few more, but I don’t have any more plans up front at the

moment.

“We have got a player in now who is going to help the team. He needs a bit of fitness and sharpness, but I am more than happy with Shefki coming in, Leigh has been doing well as has Eoin and we have also got a couple of young strikers who have got a lot of potential.

“We have got a lot of young players involved in our squad and Shefki is going to be massive for us in the dressing room with his experience and the advice that he can pass on.”

Fenlon started the season with just one up front, but in recent games has given more support to Griffiths and is likely to again go with a two-pronged attack when his side host St Johnstone on Saturday in a game he is desperate to win. He said: “We have to improve our home record. We didn’t win enough games at Easter Road last year and that’s why we

ended up in the position we did.” Hibs kid Jamie Beaton has been named in the Scotland Under-17 squad to face Belgium at Stirling’s Forthbank Stadium on Tuesday (kick-off 7pm) in a preparatory match for their European Championship qualifying campaign.