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ROCKY ROAD FOR MARCIANO

NEIL LENNON is ready to open talks in a bid to keep on-loan keeper, Ofir Marciano, for Hibs’ return to the Premiership.

The Israel keeper has spent the season on loan from Ashdod in his homeland.

He has impressed, with the Easter Road side enjoying 15 shut-outs, a record second only to Celtic in Scottish football.

Marciano has expressed a desire to stay in the capital, but has another year left on his Ashdod deal.

Lennon said: “We’d like Ofir to stay, and we will have a conversation with Dudu (Dahan, Marciano’s agent).

“I am sure finances will play a part. Again, he is not our player and I am not sure what Ashdod will want to do, either.

“I have spoken to Ofir (below) and he is really happy here, which is great news for us.

“I hope we can strike a deal. I have got the goalkeeper in place that I want and they are hard to find.”

SORRY, RORY WHO?

PETERHEAD manager Jim McInally spent two days last week watching Sunderland train – and reckons that striker Jermain Defoe could give Rory McAllister competition for a starting jersey at Balmoor!

McInally played with Black Cats boss, David Moyes, in the Celtic youth team in the 1980s.

He was at the Academy of Light as part of a Coaching Development Programme, and saw the 34-year-old England internationalist close up.

The Peterhead boss said: “It was great to watch how a top player like Jermain trains.

“I told him that he was just as good as Rory – although I am not sure if he knew how much of a compliment that was!”

TANGERINES SWEET ON DEVLIN

DUNDEE UNITED have joined Hamilton Accies in keeping tabs on Ayr United skipper, Nicky Devlin.

The 23-year-old has been a stand-out for the Honest Men this season, with the Tangerines believed to be the favourites for his signature.