Hibs’ move for James McPake on hold

The club’s supporters are keen to see a move finalised for the player, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Hibs, during which time he became a firm favourite with the fans and took the captain’s armband as soon as he arrived in Leith. McPake, who made his debut for Northern Ireland in the 6-0 defeat to Holland on Saturday night, reports back for training with Coventry on 1 July. Hibs are believed to he mulling over a £100,000 bid for the defender, however the player himself is now looking forward to a couple of weeks’ rest and recuperation after a long season and said: “I haven’t a clue what will happen.

“I’ll have a few weeks off then return to Coventry and take it from there.

“I’m looking forward to a little break now but I would have been happy to keep on playing.

“I enjoyed my time at Hibs even if the final was a big disappointment. And to then be called up for Northern Ireland was a huge honour for me.”

Meanwhile, Hibs are believed to be eyeing a move for Slovakian international defender Lubo Michalik.

The 28-year-old is out of contract at Carlisle but has been offered a new deal by manager Gregg Abbott.

However he has yet to agree to the terms on the table and Hibs boss Pat Fenlon, who is said to be keen to pair Michalik with McPake in the centre of defence, is waiting to see what his move should be.

Abbott is desperate to keep hold of Michalik, who was one of Carlisle’s better players last season, however he admitted that the League One side may not have enough money to do so. He said: “In a perfect world you’d extend your better players. But it’s not easy. Finances dictate decisions.”

Fenlon could also have a decision to make on Tom Soares after the midfielder, who joined the Easter Road club on loan in January along with McPake, was released by his parent club, Stoke City.

The one-time England Under-21 internationalist scored two goals for Hibs.