Fenlon urges Hibs togive fans a lift

HIBS BOSS Pat Fenlon has urged his players to lift their supporters following the death of Easter Road great Lawrie Reilly when Malmo visit on Europa League duty.

A minute’s applause will be held for Reilly before the second qualifying round second leg.

A fuller tribute will be paid to the former Scotland centre- forward, who netted f ive goals in Wembley clashes with England, when Motherwell visit Leith in the Scottish Premiership opener.

Easter Road will be an emotional place tonight as fans gather for the first time since Reilly died aged 84 on Monday.

Fenlon wants his players to rise to the occasion and pay their own homage to Reilly, who led the club’s ‘Famous Five’ forward line, as they bid to overturn a 2-0 deficit against the Swedish league leaders.

The Irishman said: “It’s been a very sad and difficult week for everyone associated with the club.

“He was obviously one of the best players the club has ever had.”

He continued: “It would be a nice way to pay real tribute to his memory if we can go and win the game.”

Fenlon refused to comment on the club’s pursuit of Swindon’s 22-year-old Irish striker James Collins.

Hibs are reportedly in talks with the player who scored 18 goals last season.

Fenlon , who is missing the injured Ryan McGivern, Tim Clancy and Paul Cairney against Malmo, said: “I’m not going to comment on it.

“There’s enough being said about it outside of the club.

“We’ll try and do our business and when we get something done we’ll let people know as soon as we can.”

SNS. Pat Fenlon.