Neil Lennon, the Hibernian manager, insists he knows what to expect from the “maverick” Anthony Stokes, but he has been taken aback by the early form of new recruit Simon Murray. He and Stokes have freshened up the attack after arriving to very different receptions this summer and could be paired together up front in tonight’s Betfred Cup encounter with Ayr United.
Stokes is a firm favourite with the Hibs fans following his brace in the Scottish Cup triumph over Rangers last year and, having signed him and worked with him for four years at Celtic, Lennon has a clear idea of his strengths and weaknesses. The former Parkhead manager believes his off-field deficiencies have been exaggerated, but said: “He knows there is a line he can’t cross with me. There is no doubting his ability. And you don’t lose the ability.
“Sometimes you lose your way but if you can get him right and focused, the talent is still there.
“We do have these figures in the game — the mavericks, the rascals — and sometimes the stories around them get blown out of all proportion.”
Whilst Stokes will need game time to get back up to speed, Murray has hit the ground running with eight goals in five competitive matches. Lennon confessed the former Dundee United player, who has won over a doubting Hibs support with his all-action displays, has surpassed his own hopes so far.
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He added: “He scores the kind of goals I like — tap-ins. He’s able to get between the posts and he’s got a couple of headers already, a couple of goals from close range and he scored a penalty at the weekend.
“I knew all about his work rate and physical attributes but his link-up play was superb.”