Neil Lennon has insisted that there was nothing sinister behind John McGinn’s absence from Hibs’ 6-1 Europa League win over NSI Runavik.
The midfielder has been subject to two bids from Celtic but remains a Hibs player despite the offers to move along the M8.
Hibs are expecting a third bid from Celtic- and preferably offers from England- but are well aware that they could lose McGinn for free next summer if the player decides to sit tight.
An appearance for Hibs in the Europa League qualifiers would leave the 23-year-old cup tied for any qualifiers that Celtic are involved in with Lennon aware that fans of both clubs were putting two and two together last night.
“I know there will be a lot of conspiracy theories going about, I get that,” he told The Sun after last night’s win. “That’s fine. I’m in control of that. I’d a chat with John. His thigh puffed up a little bit last night.
“He wasn’t 100 percent in terms of fitness and he’s not mentally 100 percent either but if John is to go, I need to go I need to look at what else I’ve got.
“But if he’s fit to go to the Faroes for the return – which he should be – then he’ll start the return.”
One solution to McGinn’s departure could be the arrival of Scott Allan at Hibs on a permanent deal with the midfielder already enjoying two stints at Easter Road.
St Mirren are due one third of any fee for McGinn which would give them a bigger fee than they received from Celtic for the transfer of Lewis Morgan.
