Neil Lennon says players go into Dunfermline game full of confidence

Hibs’ Head Coach Neil says that the players are going into today’s game against Dunfermline with confidence after Wednesday night’s sensational victory over Hearts but he stresses that it will be a difficult game.

Lennon has experience of playing important midweek games then returning to the bread and better fixtures and he is determined that his players will be ready for the fixture which  kicks off at 5.15 for television purposes.

He also provided an update of the club’s mounting injury list.

Speaking to Hibernian TV, Lennon said: “It’s gone now. It was a great night and we’ve had a good couple of days, but the important thing now is to get back to winning ways in the league.

“The players showed what they are capable of, I’m not expecting them to reach those heights as it’s a different game as the atmosphere and intensity will be different, but they are going into the game with a lot of confidence on the back of that great win.

“It’s natural, subconsciously that they will drop their levels as mentally and physically that game will have taken a lot out of them.

“We haven’t been able to train since then. We only had 12 out there today (Friday) There are a few bumps and bruises and we have lost Chris (Humphrey) as well but it’s just a question of keeping things ticking over.

“Rest and recovery and getting yourself mentally right again are important. I know that from playing big games and managing in Europe that there is a natural high and then a come down for a couple of days and it’s difficult to get back to that intensity but we can’t get caught cold either.

“Dunfermline will come and play really committedly and want to beat us and they will be really up for it and we have to match that.

“I was disappointed with the way we played last Saturday but I don’t think that will happen against Dunfermline.

“Dundee United play Morton so something is going to happen and points are going to be dropped for one team or bth and it’s important that we take advantage of that.

“It’s important to extend the gap at the top if you can. We are in two competitions and have a great chance of winning both and that’s a brilliant place to be at this stage of the season.

“We are a little bit thin squad wise at the minute with a few injuries but we are hoping that the players coming in, like Shinnie did, will make a big impression on the team.

“Hopefully Jordon Forster will train next week. Paul (Hanlon) had the surgery which went OK. We were hoping that he would be training but he has had a setback which is causing him discomfort so he is getting treatment for that but hopefully he will be out on the grass next week running.

“I don’t think he is a million miles away but it’s been a setback for him. It’s a totally separate issue from the surgery.

“Dylan (McGeouch) is almost there although he felt his groin in training. Danny Handling is back training but he needs some games as he has not played for a while.

“With Chris (Humphrey) it’s not a major tear and hopefully it’s only going to be a couple of weeks.

“We have four or five important players out so we are dipping into the development team now, who are doing great by the way.”

 

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