Hanlon likely to miss Hibs’ Cup tie, says Pat Fenlon

The defender, who has been struggling with a hip injury since the away game against Aberdeen, had been hoped to be fit in time for the second match of the double-header with Killie.

However Fenlon revealed that Hanlon – who missed the midweek draw with Kenny Shiels’ side at Easter Road – will probably have to sit out the trip to Rugby Park.

Fenlon said: “Paul Hanlon is struggling. I don’t think he’ll make it which is a blow but we’ve got cover with Ryan McGivern and Lewis Stevenson. Paul has played most games since I’ve been here and he usually goes through the pain barrier so he must be sore.”

The Easter Road boss is hoping to see more maturity from his side than they showed in the 2-2 draw on Wednesday night and added: “We started well against Kilmarnock in midweek. We’ve got to maintain our composure. We played well after 20, 25 minutes but got a bit sloppy and gave the ball away cheaply.

“But there were some very good aspects of the game as well and I suppose when you concede a goal after coming back into the game, when you look dead and buried, and then concede again and come back again shows tremendous character.

“They were two very good goals and we hit the post twice. There weren’t loads of good chances but we were pleased with the goals and that’s why I told the players to stay composed.

“David Wotherspoon had a hand in both goals and I was delighted for him. It gives me a headache for the weekend with him doing as well as he did.”

Meanwhile Fenlon admitted that he had sympathy for John McGlynn, who was sacked as the Hearts manager earlier in the week.

Fenlon believes that managers are working under increasing pressures due to financial constraints being place on them.

And he added: “It’s disappointing for John because although our clubs are big rivals you know as a manager how difficult the job is. I’ve been at clubs where there’s been a lot going on in relation to people not being paid on time and it’s difficult to maintain everything and keep it right on everything.

“John has got them to a Cup final as well which is probably more disappointing from his point of view. I don’t know him personally , only from going up against him. People on the outside look in but it’s a difficult job and you have sympathy to get a short period of time and what he’s had to deal with in that short space of time.”