Hibs boss Pat Fenlon is hoping to hang on to Garry O'Connor after brushing off speculation linking the striker with Celtic and Rangers.
Hibs hoping striker will be fit to face Inverness on Wednesday
Hibernian boss Pat Fenlon is hoping to hang on to Garry O'Connor after brushing off speculation linking the striker with Celtic and Rangers.
O'Connor returned to Easter Road on a one-year contract in the summer and enjoyed a blistering start to the campaign with 10 goals in 11 games.
However, he has not scored since the end of September and has been troubled by a toe injury, in addition to being a rumoured target for the Old Firm.
Fenlon insists the 28-year-old is a key part of his future plans at Hibs and has taken little notice of the rumours surrounding O'Connor's future.
Big part
"Big clubs like Rangers and Celtic will always be linked with good players - I think Garry started it (the rumour) himself in fairness," Fenlon told
Hibernian TV.
"He's a big part of the plans here he's a good player and the supporters love him and he loves the club.
"He's the type of character that you want to stay around. He's the top goalscorer and he's played at a really high level.
"We want to hold onto our best players. I've heard the rumour, but that is all it is at the moment."
O'Connor missed Saturday's 3-1 loss at Dundee United, resting a toe complaint which has restricted his movement, but could return on Wednesday night against fellow strugglers Inverness.
Fenlon added: "He's had five or six days off now and he trained this morning and he looked a lot more comfortable in his movement and his running."
