Hibs hope to keep McPake

Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon wants Coventry defender James McPake to turn his loan spell at Easter Road into a permanent switch.

Fenlon praises on-loan defender's contribution to SPL survival

Hibernian manager Pat Fenlon has confirmed he wants Coventry defender James McPake to turn his loan spell at Easter Road into a permanent switch. The 27-year-old has become a fans' favourite for the Edinburgh club as they battled their way to Scottish Premier League survival, during which time he captained the side. He has made 14 appearances since linking up with Hibs in January and Fenlon is keen to agree a deal after Coventry were relegated to League One. Fenlon said: "Since he's come in, he's been different class. "He's what we need in the club; we'd love to keep him but he's a Coventry player and we need to try and sort that out first." Hibs secured SPL survival after beating Dunfermline 4-0 on Monday to condemn the Pars to relegation and McPake was relieved at the final whistle. McPake said: "It is a massive relief for everyone at the club, from the players to the staff and to the people who work in the offices. "This club has to be in the SPL and thankfully we put it to bed. We started well, we were up for it and we thoroughly deserved the result."