McPake Must Stay

Last updated : 08 May 2012 By Ed_Scottishfitba

Hibs manager Pat Fenlon has been able to breath a little more easily today now that SPL survival has been secured has confirmed. In no small part this has been achieved through the efforts of one of Fenlon's January loan acquisitions in the shape Coventry defender James McPake. Fenlon is keen for Chairman Rod Petrie to make the loan arrangement a permanent one this summer. McPake has become a fans' favourite at Easter Road, as he lead by example when captaining the side. Fenlon said: "Since he's come in, he's been different class. He's what we need in the club; we'd love to keep him but he's a Coventry player and we need to try and sort that out first."

pat stanton(c) Ger Harley | SportPix 

Hibs legend Pat Stanton echoed the calls for the club to push for a permanent deal, adding: "McPake's impressed me. Against Kilmarnock, there was a moment that told me a lot about him. The ball had gone out for a throw or a corner kick and Hibs were a goal down. The only person who ran to retrieve the ball was McPake. Now that might not be seen as important to people, but to me it's important. It told me he was up for it, determined to get Hibs back in the game. I liked that. I hope we push the boat out a bit to get McPake to stay."