SWANSON WANTS STOKES AND WHITTAKER AT HIBS
DANNY SWANSON is hoping Hibs boss Neil Lennon can secure the signings of Anthony Stokes and Steven Whittaker ahead of the start of the new campaign. Both Whittaker, who is a free agent following his release from Norwich City, and Stokes were interested spectators for Lewis Stevenson’s testimonial against Sunderland on Sunday, a match in which Hibs came from two goals behind to secure a 2-2 draw. Former Aberdeen striker Simon Church is also training with the Edinburgh club following a spell with Dutch side Roda JC. But Swanson is keeping his fingers crossed that Lennon manages to get the Whittaker and Stokes deals over the line. ‘I’m a massive Whittaker fan. He used to be one of the players I came to watch,’ said Hibs fan Swanson. ‘He was a massive player for Hibs back then and will still do well now, I’m sure. ‘I think Steven would bring a lot of things. He’s got ability and he’s a big boy. ‘He would bring physicality as well. He’s a top player. ‘The cup final made Stokes a Hibs legend and they would both be great signings if we got the two of them back in.’ While all the attention was on long-serving defender Stevenson on Sunday, it was also a memorable day for Swanson as he finally got to walk out the tunnel wearing his team’s colours for the first time. However, the 30-year-old, who joined from St Johnstone during the close-season, admits he would rather forget about his own performance. He said: ‘I’ve played better, to be fair. ‘It’s probably the worst performance I have ever had. I’ll put it down to rustiness. ‘I enjoyed it, especially at the end. It was brilliant for Lewis. ‘I was looking forward to it, I really was. I just wish I had played a bit better, but I am sure that will come with games and fitness. I’m a bit slow at the minute, but that will come. ‘I think it will take time to get used to the way we play. It’s very different to St Johnstone. Working with the boys and a bit more training should help me. ‘I just feel sometimes I’m thinking a bit too much about it at the moment. ‘At Saints, I played with Steven MacLean every game and he helped me, so I just need to adapt and, hopefully, when the games start, it is all clicking.’