New blood in league a good thing – Lomas

St Johnstone manager Steve Lomas believes that the expected arrival of Pat Fenlon at Hibernian would be a breath of fresh air for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Hibs have received permission from Bohemians to interview Fenlon about their managerial vacancy and the Irishman could be in place before the Edinburgh side travel to McDiarmid Park tomorrow.

Having never managed a league club, Lomas was a surprise choice to take over at St Johnstone last month, but he believes that managers from outside Scotland bring a freshness to the SPL. Although Fenlon almost took over at Dundee United less than two years ago, he has never managed outside of the League of Ireland.

Lomas said: “He did very well down in the League of Ireland and I think it’s great that teams are now looking outside the box rather than the same old managers on the merry-go-round.

“You have young boys who are hungry, want to improve and do well, and are looking to educate themselves in the game.

“It’s good for the League of Ireland. You have Michael O’Neill, who I thought would definitely come into the category, but Pat Fenlon has done all right.”

Fenlon’s arrival could spark the revival Hibs have been looking for but Lomas is making his home debut and is determined to start on a high.

“We can’t control these things, good luck to them in appointing a new manager but I can only concentrate on our boys,” said the former Northern Ireland captain.

“We want to put a performance in for the fans at home and signal our intent.

“We know Hibs are going to be fighting for their lives and, if a new manager comes in, it’s going to give them a little bit of a lift.

“I understand all that but I’ll be reminding the lads, if you win your individual battles, you normally win the game.”

Meanwhile, Lomas will step up attempts to find a loan club for striker Sam Parkin, who has recovered from the broken ankle he suffered in February.

“He’s looking good in training, he has played 45 (minutes) in a bounce game and now he has played 75,” Lomas said.

“I think he’s ready, I think he would be a positive influence in a league like the Scottish First. He’s a good lad, he’s a good player. It would be good for us, good for the player and good for the team he goes to.”