FOLLOW US ON TWITTER | FACEBOOK
NEIL LENNON is convinced that being a Hibs fan can help Danny Swanson be a roaring success at Easter Road.
The 30-year-old’s summer move from St Johnstone has been confirmed, with the player admitting the ‘pull of Hibernian was too much for me’.
And Lennon believes bringing Saints’ best player ‘home’ can only strengthen his squad for life in the Premiership.
Lennon said: “I like him. He has had a great season with St Johnstone. Whenever I have watched him, for me he has been St Johnstone’s best player.
“He has creativity, he has goals in him. He is a Hibs boy, which is not important but it does help.
“When I look at the players I have here, the likes of [Darren] McGregor, [Paul] Hanlon, [Jordon] Forster, Lewis [Stevenson], they get the club.
“Sometimes it puts a wee bit extra pressure on them for family reasons but it is good he understands the culture of the club almost immediately.”
Lennon, who will call on many of his fringe players and development squad for Wednesday night’s rearranged league fixture against relegation-threatened Raith Rovers, is increasingly turning his attention to the make-up of his squad for next season.
Admitting Grant Holt has not yet been offered fresh terms as the veteran considers his coaching future, Lennon is keen to hang on to Israel keeper Ofir Marciano, currently on loan from Ashdod, and wants the core of his side to stay for the step up to the top-flight.
With the likes of McGregor, Stevenson, Marvin Bartley and David Gray amongst those out of contract in the coming weeks, he said: “I think the majority of them will sign on.
“I’d be very surprised if they do go. I don’t think there’s many clubs out there who can offer them what we can.
“There’s a familiarity there. They’ve had a couple of great seasons and I think we can get better.
“It’s up to the players. I’ve pitched my case across to them.
“They’ll have their own personal issues, and maybe footballing reasons, but they would have to be really good footballing reasons to leave here now.”
