NEIL Lennon insists it is time for Hibernian to build some momentum following a ‘stop-start’ beginning to their campaign.
The Hibees were pitched straight into Europa League action in July, while a busy transfer window saw eight signings arrive and several players - including the talismanic John McGinn - depart from the side that enjoyed such success last term.
The capital club have been forced to contend with persistent injuries to the likes of Flo Kamberi, Marvin Bartley and Darren McGregor, all of whom Lennon is hoping could be in contention to face Dundee this weekend.
Australia international Mark Milligan also enjoyed a bright debut from the bench in the 3-2 win over Kilmarnock on Saturday, giving Lenny plenty of cause for optimism as they look to go on a winning run.
“We are a bit of a work in progress because of the changes and getting people up to speed,” explained Lennon. “It’s been a little stop-start with the Europa League, the transfer window and then this recent international break.
“Hopefully things will settle down and we can get into our rhythm.
“Mark [Milligan] has looked very impressive in training. He had a spell with the Australia camp, but that was his first appearance since the World Cup. You can’t just throw him straight in there.
“That’s the same with Marvin [Bartley]. He missed out against Kilmarnock because it was just too soon for him. Hopefully he will be around the side this week and the same with Darren McGregor. We are getting bodies back which is very pleasing.”
Lennon heaped praise on Stevie Mallan following his display against Killie, dubbing his spectacular free-kick as ‘world class’.
As well as taking his tally of goals from free-kicks to four already this season, the former St Mirren man’s showing was night-and-day from the underwhelming outing in Hibs’ 2-1 loss at Livingston prior to the international hiatus.
“His goal was just world class. To hit it with that power and control into the opposite corner - world class,” Lennon beamed.
“I thought Stevie showed a lot of things that he didn’t show two weeks ago [against Livingston]. There was a desire to get the ball back, his passing was good, and he almost scored another goal. He is having a fantastic time of it with us.”
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