Hibs’ Head Coach Neil Lennon insists that no complacency has set in amongst his players as they sit ten points clear at the top of the Championship although he did concede that Saturday’s victory over Falkirk has resulted in a quiet confidence in the squad.
Hibs face third placed Morton tonight at Easter Road knowing that victory will almost guarantee automatic promotion back to the top flight as realistically only Jim Duffy’s side can catch them.
Lennon goes into the game with two of his more influential players available after international call ups.
John McGinn is likely to return to the midfield and Ofir Marciano will take over form Ross Laidlaw in goals.
In addition Paul Hanlon has returned from injury although there are doubts about David Gray and Andrew Shinnie.
Speaking to Hibernian TV ahead of the game Lennon said: “Saturday’s result was huge. Falkirk are a very good side in this division and there was a lot riding on the game. I thought we handled the occasion and pressure of the game very well and thoroughly deserved the win.
“That’s one half of a double header done and we have to negotiate a very good Morton side now.
“Morton are having a good season. they will be a little bit disappointed with the points dropped at the weekend but that happens in the Championship. It’s very competitive.
“We have our own agenda and know what is at stake. We know that a win would be one more step toward the title.
“There is no complacency setting in but there is a quiet confidence about the boys after the victory at the weekend.
“There is no need to get anxious or chase the game. We will pay our normal game and try and take the game to Morton and play the conditions the right way.
“We have the talent and the strength .
“McGinn and Marciano are back which is a timely boost and they are fresh as well.
“It would have been nice to have players back earlier but we have done well without those players but having them back is very timely.
“John McGinn will be fresh. He has had two weeks away with the Scotland team and played 15 minute of football and he might benefit from the break as well as wining another cap.
“Ofir’s (Marciano) is a little bit different as Israel were well beaten by Spain but the fact that he has represented his country should give him a huge boost.
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
