Hibs’ Graham Stack praised for response to criticism

By ANTHONY BROWN
Published on 03/04/2012 12:14

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon has praised goalkeeper Graham Stack for responding to recent flak with a superb display in Sunday’s win at Inverness.

The Englishman was cast as the fall guy as he let a Gary Mackay-Steven strike squirm tamely past him in the 2-0 defeat against Dundee United at Easter Road a week past Saturday.

But in the Highlands, Stack proved a safe pair of hands as Hibs ran out 3-2 winners.

“Graham took a bit of criticism for the goal he conceded last week but against Inverness I thought he was different class,” said Fenlon. “He made some magnificent saves.”

Meanwhile, Hibs breathed a sigh of relief after learning that Ivan Sproule has not suffered ligament damage. The winger was carried off towards the end at the Caledonian Stadium after sustaining a nasty-looking blow to the ankle, with Fenlon admitting his player was in a bad way. However, it has emerged that Sproule could return to training this week before the SPL visit of Motherwell on Sunday.

Fenlon said: “The good news is that Ivan’s injury is not as bad as we first feared it might be. He could be back in training sooner rather than later.”

Despite labelling this season as “a nightmare” for Hibs, Sproule believes it could yet end up being a memorable campaign if his side can stay in the SPL and get to the Scottish Cup final. “I know it’s a tall ask but it could end up one of the best seasons,” he said. “As a club there’s been decisions made throughout these last few years that’ve probably culminated in the way the position is now. But there are signs that there is going to be progression and hopefully we can finish this season out strong, stay up and we’ve got a lot to play for in the cup.”

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