Hibs give Fenlon Tynecastle hope

Published on Thursday 15 March 2012 08:37

Pat Fenlon has warned Hearts they will face a very different Hibernian on Sunday, insisting his charges are full of confidence.

The Irishman saw a tame Hibs side pulled apart in the New Year derby, as Hearts claimed a 3-1 win at Easter Road in what was just Fenlon’s fifth match in charge. It prompted a major reconstruction of the squad assembled by previous manager Colin Calderwood. Six players departed the club, while eight new recruits arrived.

A mini-revival has followed, with progression to the semi-final of the Scottish Cup and four points from the last two SPL outings. Fenlon is now confident his side is ready for the challenge at Tynecastle. “We are a different proposition to what they faced previously this year,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to the game. I have to be honest – we have got a bit of confidence and the players are really looking forward to it. We know it will be tough, Hearts are a decent side, but it’s a massive game for us. If we can win that then that kicks us on again, and people get even more belief. Hearts will be the favourites as they are in a better position than we are in the league, but it is vital we get the three points.”

Isaiah Osbourne, who has been in fine form of late, will miss Sunday’s televised encounter through suspension. However, with Tom Soares set to return from injury and Jorge Claros finding his feet in the SPL, Fenlon believes his side have the depth to deal with Osbourne’s absence.

“Ozzy will be a loss for us, as he has been playing well, but we now have good players who were sitting on the bench on Saturday and a few who were in the stands,” he said. “It’s not like two or three months ago when we didn’t have major options. We have a decent squad now.”

Taken from the Scotsman