Mixu urges fringe players to push on

Published on Saturday 1 November 2008 11:11

HIBS boss Mixu Paatelainen today encouraged his fringe players to push even harder for a return to the top team.

Paatelainen has the likes of Paul Hanlon, Fabian Yantorno, Steve Pinau, Thierry Gathuessi, Filipe Morais and Andy McNeil regularly playing in his second string or on the bench.

Morais and Gathuessi, disappointed at their lack of first-team football, are both believed to have asked for moves away from the club in the summer, only to be told that their services were still required.

Paatelainen recognises the fact that players not involved with the first team will be far from happy at the situation but says it is a positive sign when his unused stars are frustrated.

Paatelainen revealed he has spoken with Hanlon, who only returned to Easter Road this week following international duty with Scotland Under-19s, to explain the situation.

And he stressed that none of his stars are completely out of the frame, insisting that each and every one of his reserve side can still force their way into his SPL line-up.

The Hibs boss said: "Paul knows exactly the situation, he knows how I feel about things, I have spoken to him about it.

"It is very important that I speak to players to explain why

certain decisions have been made.

"We have got options in a few areas of the park now but while

that is good for the team, it is also one of the most difficult parts of

my job.

"It is impossible to keep everyone happy – and, in fact, I

want to see players unhappy ifthey are not involved in the first

team.

"You should not be happy just to sit and play with the reserves

and hopefully if my players find themselves out of the first team it

will only make them more determined when they are playing

in the reserves."

Meanwhile, a team of Hibs legends will be in action tomorrow

against an Ormiston select to help raise money for the Primrose Day

Centre.

Paul Kane, Darren Jackson, Keith Wright, Gordon Rae and

Gordon Hunter will be among the former Easter Road stars taking

part in the charity match, which kicks off at Ormiston Football

Park at noon and all donations are welcome. All spectators are

invited to the Coalgate Bar in Ormiston after the match where

several signed SPL shirts will be raffled for the charity.