Hibs stalwart Paul Hanlon eyes first-team return after comeback from injury woes

BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport

PAUL HANLON is eyeing a return to the Hibs starting lineup after ending seven months of injury hell.

The 27-year-old has started just two matches in 2017 as he battled a persistent pelvis complaint.

He underwent surgery in February which – by the player’s own admission – only served to exacerbate the issue, leading to further months of rehabilitation.

However, he played an hour in Sunday afternoon’s friendly against Selkirk as a Hibs XI drew 0-0 at Yarrow Park.

And Hanlon is now determined to win his place back after finally overcoming his fitness woes.

He told Hibernian.co.uk: “I’ve been desperate to get back involved. It’s been a long, frustrating road with injury and now it is a case of getting fit again and getting sharpness back.

“It’s been a long summer trying to get fit, so I’m just delighted to be back out on the pitch and getting the minutes back under my belt.

“I still feel a bit rusty, but that’s to be expected after effectively seven months out

“I’m hoping to get back involved with the team as soon as I possibly can. It’s the manger’s decision regarding when I am back in contention, but I’m looking forward to getting back to training and playing.”