Hibs’ midfielder John McGinn is happy with Neil Lennon’s transfer dealings during the summer break and believes that the squad has strength in depth ahead of the forthcoming league campaign.
Danny Swanson, Simon Murray, Steven Whittaker, Efe Ambrose and Ofir Marciano have all put pen to paper whilst Lithuanian striker Deivydas Matulevicius and his fellow countryman Vykintas Slivka have been added to the squad.
Speaking after Hibs’ demolition of Arbroath in the Betfred League Cup group stages, the Scotland international said: “It is all starting to come good and we have strength in depth in most areas.
” We want guys to know that there is a quality player behind them and that they need to constantly look over their shoulder and that keeps you on your toes.
“We have a few Europeans kicking about the changing room now so I will need to teach them the Weegie lingo
“The Lithuanian boys have came in and look good. Slivka has been christened Vicky – which I am not too sure about – and Deivydas has also looked the part.”
McGinn also urged former team mate Anthony Stokes to return to the club for a third stint at Easter Road after securing his release from Blackburn Rovers last week.
He added: “Stokesy fitted in well last time and he is a top player. Everybody saw in the Scottish Cup Final against Rangers and it would be great to get him back.
“He is a quality player that steps up in big games. Not everybody can handle the pressure of being at a club like Hibs.
“There is pressure to get results and we are a team that are supposed to be at the top end of Scottish football.
“We need players like Stokesy if we are to try and get us winning all the time and give is that bit of quality that can make the difference in matches.
“Everybody knows that Stokesy thrives under certain managers and others don’t take to him, so I am sure the gaffer here would know how to get the best out of him.
“He’s also a big hero round these parts, which always helps. They will need to start building an extra bit to the stadium if he signs because the season tickets are nearly running out.”
McGinn also praised youngster Ryan Porteous who won the ‘man of the match’ award against Arbroath where he scored twice in the 6-1 victory although the announcement was made before his second goal.
Porteous has given Lennon a selection headache as he has quality defenders Efe Ambrose, Darren McGregor and Liam Fontaine ready to play and Paul Hanlon coming back from injury.
McGinn added: “I will never forget the first day he came into training and put big Grant Holt on his backside
“He is as hard as nails, he is quick and good on the ball and also has an eye for goal. He is a Rolls Royce of a defender.
“He has the bit between his teeth now and the rest of the young players only need to look at him for inspiration and the way he approaches training.”
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.
