Lennon: It doesn’t get better for Slivka
HIBS head coach Neil Lennon last night joked the only way is down for new signing Vykintas Slivka after his match-winning goal against Rangers.
The Lithuania international, who joined last month from Juventus on a three-year deal, made his first start for the club on Saturday at Ibrox and turned in an impressive display in the 3-2 success.
The 22-year-old fired in a superb third for the Easter Road men in the second half to earn a two-goal lead that Rangers could not overcome, despite James Tavernier’s late header.
And Lennon admits he has high hopes for the midfielder who will be expected to win his 20th cap for his country in the next month’s World Cup qualifier against Scotland.
The Hibs boss said: “He’s a good player. I’ve been really impressed with him and I had no hesitation in playing him at Ibrox.
“We lost Marvin Bartley and Martin Boyle to injury, two players who would make us better. So it shows the depth we have.
“Graeme Mathie (head of player recruitment) needs to take a lot of credit for Slivka coming in.
“We liked the look of him but he went out on loan to Den Bosch. When the opportunity came up again to bring him in we decided to go for it and he has settled in very well.
“He has made his first start and scored the winner at Ibrox – it’s all downhill from there!”
Slivka himself was thrilled to have played a key part in the victory.
But the former Modena and Ascoli loan star is already looking ahead to Saturday’s visit of Hamilton.
He said: “I had been told what to expect by the rest of the boys but you have to experience it for yourself.
“You have to celebrate the moment and enjoy it but the season is long.
“We have a game against Hamilton now and it becomes the most important one.”