ANT’S ARRIVAL WILL STOKE UP MY OWN GAME
SIMON MURRAY reckons Hibs snapping up Anthony Stokes can only galvanise his own game as he sets about making it impossible for Neil Lennon to drop him.
The 25-year-old’s brace in Saturday’s 3-0 win over Alloa took his haul to seven goals in four Betfred Cup games since arriving from Dundee United this summer.
Hibs still hope to see Stokes line up for them in the Premiership after Lithuanian striker Deivydas Matulevicius made his debut off the bench at the Indodrill Stadium.
On Stokes returning for a third spell, though, Murray said: “I see it as that would improve me as a player.
“The stronger the squad, the stronger you are.
“I always see myself as a different striker to him and different to Davie.
“If I’m scoring goals the gaffer is going to have to play me. It’s nearly two goals every game so it’s not too bad.
“I’m delighted. I was aiming to get off the mark and as a striker a goal a game would be an unbelievable tally to have – if you could get that through the season – so I’m off to a good start.”
Hibs will entertain Ayr in the last 16 after topping Group D ahead of Saturday’s top-flight opener at home to Partick Thistle. Fraser Murray swept home a 15th-minute opener before his namesake scored twice in the space of 17 second-half minutes.
Martin Boyle played a part in all three and Simon Murray admits the standard of service has been top notch.
The 25-year-old said: “They’re on a plate to be fair. He has unbelievable pace.
“It doesn’t matter what team you’re playing against, there are not going to be many defenders who can cope with his pace.
“He’s probably one of the fastest boys in the Scottish leagues. I just need to make sure when the ball goes across I’m there.”
A third loss in four saw Alloa finish bottom of the pile ahead of Saturday’s League One curtain-raiser against Raith.
But Wasps manager Jim Goodwin said: “The performance was better than what we have been lately.”