Hibernian FC

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• Manager:Colin Calderwood

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Flu the problem for Fletcher

23 Sep 2008 - 10:37:22

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Hibernian boss Mixu Paatelainen has revealed that the striker Steven Fletcher lasted less than 45 minutes of the 1-0 win at Hamilton because he was suffering from flu.

The 21-year-old Scotland international had to be replaced seven minutes before half-time, with his replacement, Derek Riordan, netting the winning goal straight after coming on.

Paatelainen told The Scotsman: "No-one but the player knows how they are feeling and there are times you simply have to ask them if they are fit enough and rely on their judgment.

"Steven was desperate to play and to contribute to the team effort, although he knew he wasn't feeling too clever before the game.

"I think it was the right decision, I would have done exactly the same myself as a player.

"Unfortunately, after half an hour his strength had totally gone and he felt powerless."