LENNON WANTS ISRAELI KEEPER AT HIBS

NEIL LENNON has confirmed he wants to conclude a season-long loan for Israeli international goalkeeper Ofir Marciano — but the prospect of Liam Henderson returning to Hibernian hasn’t moved forward. Seeking competition for Ross Laidlaw and Otso Virtanen for the No 1 jersey, the Easter Road manager has kicked off negotiations with 10-times capped Marciano in the hope of tying up a deal in time for the domestic kick-off. The 6ft 4ins stopper is signed to Ashdod in Israel but has recently been out on loan at Belgian side Mouscron. Tomorrow’s trip to Shrewsbury is likely to come too soon for the 26-year-old but he should be safely on board in time for next week’s SPFL Championship opener at Falkirk. ‘We are hopeful of bringing Marciano in on loan, possibly at the end of the week and, if not, at the start of next,’ confirmed Lennon. ‘If we can get that one over the line, we’d be delighted. ‘He has been on loan in Belgium but he’s back at his parent club now. ‘I know his agent, who did some good stuff over the years for me at Celtic.’ Henderson has returned to Celtic but Lennon remains in the dark about the prospect of the midfielder returning to Leith for a second loan spell. ‘With regards to Liam Henderson, we’ve made a call and that’s it,’ explained Lennon. ‘Brendan (Rodgers) will want to assess his squad, so I can’t speculate what will happen there. ‘I don’t think the squad here needs major surgery. ‘If I could add three more players I would be happy. It doesn’t need much work and I’ve been delighted with what I’ve seen so far.’