LENNON IS HAPPY TO HOLD ON TO HANLON

NEIL LENNON last night revealed defender Paul Hanlon has agreed a new four-year contract at Hibs. The 28-year-old, whose existing deal was due to expire next summer, is set to put pen to paper on fresh terms. Hanlon, who has captained the side in the absence of David Gray, has enjoyed an outstanding personal season in the club’s successful first campaign back in the top flight — and was called into the Scotland squad for the first time for last November’s friendly defeat to Holland. Lennon, whose side will attempt to close the four-point gap on second-placed Aberdeen when they visit Ross County today, said: ‘Paul is getting better, he has just agreed to extend his contract, so we are delighted at that. ‘He’s only 28, so he’s right at his peak. He’s been brilliant and he deserves it. We want him here and he’s happy to be here. He’s captain at the minute and revelling in that role as well. ‘He’s hardly put a foot wrong this season. He’s a modern centrehalf, quick and comfortable bringing the ball forward.’ The impressive displays of Aberdeen’s Scott McKenna and Celtic’s Jack Hendry in last month’s friendlies against Costa Rica and Hungary appear to have pushed Hanlon further down the Scotland pecking order. But Lennon thinks he can still force his way into Alex McLeish’s plans. ‘I don’t think you should write him off,’ Lennon said. ‘There’s been a plethora of left-sided centre-halves at the minute, so he’s been a bit unfortunate. ‘There’s no argument about McKenna but Paul is right in there as well. He needs to be patient.’