The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Suspension for Ramos
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos has been suspended for one game after his red card in their defeat to Barcelona. He was sent off for a bad tackle on Lionel Messi in Barca’s 3-2 win on Sunday. Manager Neil Lennon is convinced being a Hibs supporter can help Danny Swanson be a roaring success at Easter Road.
The 30-year-old’s summer move from St Johnstone was confirmed yesterday, with the player admitting the chance to move was to good to miss.
Lennon believes signing Saints’ best player can only strengthen his squad for life in the Premiership.
Lennon said: “I like him. He has had a great season with St Johnstone. Whenever I have watched him, for me he has been St Johnstone’s best player.
“He has creativity, he scores goals. He is a Hibs supporter, which is not important but it does help.
“When I look at the players I have here, the likes of Darren McGregor, Paul Hanlon, Jordon Forster and Lewis Stevenson, they get the club.
“Sometimes it puts a bit of extra pressure on them for family reasons but it is good he understands the culture of the club almost immediately.”
Swanson looked set to sign a new deal with St Johnstone earlier in the season and has been full of praise for McDiarmid Park manager Tommy Wright.
But, unable to turn down a move to the Edinburgh club, he has now set his sights on helping the Perth Saints back into Europe as a fitting leaving present.
Swanson said: “The opportunity to sign for Hibernian was one I couldn’t resist. I’m from Edinburgh and grew up supporting the Hibees.
“It’s always been an ambition of mine to play for the club and I am looking forward to this new challenge and to help achieve their goals back in the Premiership.
“The decision to leave St Johnstone has been a difficult one for me. I’ve felt settled at the Saints and really enjoyed my football, and my period at the club has been the most enjoyable and satisfying time of my career.”
Lennon, who will call on many of his fringe players and development squad for tonight’s rearranged league fixture against relegationthreatened Raith Rovers, is increasingly turning his attention to the make-up of his squad for next season.
Admitting Grant Holt has not yet been offered fresh terms as the veteran considers his coaching future, Lennon is keen to hang on to Israeli goalkeeper Ofir Marciano, currently on loan from Ashdod, and wants the core of his current side to stay for the step up.