Hibernian Football Club News

• Nickname:The Hibees
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Mixu Paatelainen

• Ground:Easter Road
• Capacity:18,000

Mixu stands up for Hanlon

16 Feb 2009 - 15:41:11

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Hibernian defender Paul Hanlon has won the support of manager Mixu Paatelainen following his mistake in the 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock.

The 19-year-old's error allowed Jamie Hamill to net an equaliser at Rugby Park with just 14 minutes of the game to go.

However, Paatelainen told The Scotsman: "The only way Paul can gain experience at this level is by playing and that is what he is doing in every game.

"However, with young players you can sometimes get punished by their mistakes.

"But Paul is a fantastic prospect, a good player, level-headed and one who has every chance of becoming a top defender.

"Unfortunately he gave the ball away too easily and that's how they scored."