Maybury says fellow Irishman will prove ‘ultra professional’

St Johnstone full-back Alan Maybury says the Hibs players should expect an “ultra-professional” approach from new manager Pat Fenlon.

Fenlon was appointed at Easter Road yesterday after leaving Bohemians, almost two years after an approach from Dundee United was turned down by the Dublin club.

Irishman Maybury left his homeland as a teenager to join Leeds and has spent all of his career in Britain, but he has heard nothing but positive reports about Fenlon.

“I don’t know too much about the football back home, but a couple of mates play at home and by all accounts he is ultra-professional,” Maybury said. “Nothing is left to chance, he is well organised and he’s a good manager. He came close to becoming Dundee United manager before and has been linked with one or two others, including here. He has got a good reputation.

“It’s all in place at Hibs, their stadium, even the players, the training ground. They are a big club so it’s a case of, if he can get them up and running, he will do well.”

Fenlon’s involvement in the game will be limited to a watching brief from the stand tomorrow with caretaker manager Billy Brown maintaining responsibility.

However, St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas will be making his managerial debut at McDiarmid Park after leading his side to a goalless draw at Ibrox.

Maybury sat on the bench against Rangers but he has been impressed with the former Northern Ireland captain’s early influence.

“He has been really positive,” the former Hearts player said. “It was a little unfortunate we had two or three weeks without a game. That was a bit frustrating, as much for him because he wanted to see what he’s got here.

“But he arranged a couple of games and we had a good result last weekend. He has been really positive and everyone is enjoying it.

“We felt our way into the game on Saturday. In the first 20 minutes we had to see out the storm and were a bit tentative. But as the game went on, especially the second half, we played really well.

“We defended superbly and played more how the manager wants us to play.

“Maybe we will get a little bit more of that as it goes on and we get to know what he wants and how he likes to open up, and play a wee bit more.

“But confidence is high and if nothing else we are well organised and don’t concede too many.”