Lennon admits that Hibs are not ready to offer Pennant a deal
NEIL LENNON has revealed that he has dropped his interest in former Arsenal and Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant.
The Hibs manager was speaking after watching his side cruise to victory over Montrose in their first competitive game of the new season.
Pennant featured in all three of the Leith club’s pre-season friendlies and the 34-year-old scored in the recent 4-0 win over Dunfermline.
But Lennon, who was delighted that a three-year deal for Scotland defender Steven Whittaker was completed yesterday morning, admits he has turned his attention elsewhere.
‘There’s nothing for Jermaine Pennant at the minute but we might review it later on,’ said Lennon. ‘We were pleased with what he brought but we have prioritised other positions.’
Former Rangers and Norwich City full-back Whittaker watched from the stand as a Simon Murray brace and goals from Fraser Murray and Brian Graham saw off Montrose in the Group D clash.
The return of Whittaker, who left Hibs for Ibrox in 2007, brings to an end a period of protracted negotiations but Lennon insists the signing was worth the wait.
He added: ‘Steven is a great signing for us. He is a model pro and brings quality and experience. He’s had a fantastic career up until now and there’s no question he’ll make us better.
‘He is 33 and looks after himself. Steven is in great condition and in pre-season he has looked fine running-wise.
‘I’ve always admired him as a player. He’s been very consistent throughout his career. He was excellent here when he started off and was probably first pick at Rangers where he had a great time.
‘He went to Norwich, won promotion with them and played in the Premier League.’
The outcome of yesterday’s game was never in doubt. Hibs went two goals up inside 22 minutes against the part-timers, with the Murrays doing the damage.
Simon headed in a cross from Lewis Stevenson after 12 minutes before teeing up namesake Fraser to add a second with a low drive from 12 yards.
Simon Murray added his second in the 53rd minute when he nodded in Martin Boyle’s cross.
Substitute Graham added a fourth in the 88th minute from the penalty spot after Graham Webster was penalised for handball.