HIBS WOULD BE KEEN ON MOVE FOR GRIFFITHS

HIBERNIAN manager Jack Ross has admitted he would be interested in offering Leigh Griffiths an Easter Road return this summer should the player become available. The 30-year-old Celtic striker has cut a frustrated figure this season as the Parkhead club’s bid for ten-in-a-row crumbled. Griffiths (pictured) has struck just seven goals in 28 appearances for club and country this term, leaving both his future at Celtic and a place in Steve Clarke’s Scotland Euro 2020 squad in doubt. Now Ross has revealed he would be eager to offer Griffiths a third stint with his boyhood heroes following back-toback loan spells between 2011 and 2013. ‘First of all, he’s not as of yet a player that will be available,’ said the Hibs boss. ‘He’s contracted to Celtic and there’s nothing to say he won’t be as things stand. ‘I think it’s an easy connection to make because of his previous time at the club and his association with Hibs. ‘Is he a player that we have admiration for? Of course, because his goalscoring record will be up there with the best in Scotland over recent years. ‘It’s maybe something that should the opportunity arise, it would be something we’d discuss. ‘But certainly at the minute it’s not something we’ve been able to discuss in any more detail because he’s not currently a player who is available.’ While Griffiths is now sweating on his Scotland place for this summer’s finals, Paul Hanlon hopes a prolonged run in the Scottish Cup could see him force his way into Clarke’s plans. The 31-year-old centre-back won his one and only cap against the Czech Republic back in October. But he was overlooked by the national team boss as the Scots kicked off their World Cup qualifiers last month. However, he reckons helping Hibs return to Hampden might make Clarke reconsider. ‘It’s always been an ambition of mine to play for my country,’ said Hanlon ahead of tomorrow’s last-16 trip to Stranraer. ‘Luckily enough with the form I’ve shown, it’s got me that this year. ‘I was delighted to get that cap and know I am in and around the manager’s thoughts. ‘But it’s really all about performing well for Hibs and helping Hibs be successful. ‘That’s a big part of it — being part of a successful Hibs team will undoubtedly help my chances. ‘So my main focus is to finish the season strongly, cement third place and see how far we can go in the cup. ‘If that leads to anything in terms of the national team, I’d be over the moon.’

Kick-off: Tomorrow, 12.15pm, Stair Park. TV: LIVE on BBC One Scotland. Referee: David Munro.