Source: Team_Talk
Hanlon: Hibs could cope without Stokes
Paul Hanlon is desperate for Hibernian to hang on to Celtic target Anthony Stokes but confident they could cope without the striker.[LNB] The Old Firm outfit are on the trail of the former Arsenal and Sunderland man, who finished last season as the SPL's second top scorer behind Rangers' Kris Boyd with 23 goals.[LNB]Hanlon confesses any successful bid from Celtic would leave a huge void in the Easter Road team, but he is adamant the likes of Colin Nish and Derek Riordan could step into the 22-year-old's scoring breach.[LNB]Speaking ahead of Sunday's meeting with St Mirren, he said: "It would be a huge loss. If you take 23 goals out of the team obviously it would be a big loss.[LNB]"But, even without the goals, his all-round play is good. He's strong enough, he can hold the ball up and bring other players into the game.[LNB]"So obviously if we lose him it will be a big loss. But we've got enough players there that will take up that role as well.[LNB]"If Derek and Colin can lift both their games then it will be all the better for the club.[LNB]"Obviously, we would be happy to keep Stokesy at the club and still scoring goals, but if that doesn't happen we've got enough to cover."[LNB]Hibs have not won away to St Mirren since 1999 and, after an opening victory over Motherwell was followed up by last weekend's 3-0 home defeat to Rangers, Hanlon is keen to see a return to winning ways.[LNB]He added: "All the boys are still spirited. It's a hard place to go, they're a good side. They've got a few new players this season, so it would be good to go there and try and put in a good performance and get the three points."
