Hibs manager Pat Fenlon wants to stop the rumour that Garry O'Connor will be moving to Rangers when the transfer window opens next month. O'Connor returned to Hibs after spells with Lokomotiv Moscow, Birmingham and Barnsley and scored 10 goals in his first 11 games after re-signing. He has not scored since September and has been troubled by a toe injury recently. That has not stopped speculation in the lead up to the opening of the transfer window linking him with a move away from Easter Road. However, Fenlon insisted the former Scotland international is key to his plans, as 11th-placed Hibs seek to reduce the four-point deficit to Caley Thistle in tonight's game in the capital. Fenlon said: "Big clubs like Rangers and Celtic will always be linked with good players - I think Garry started it (the rumour) himself in fairness. He's a big part of the plans here he's a good player and the supporters love him and he loves the club. He's the type of character that you want to stay around. He's the top goalscorer and he's played at a really high level. We want to hold onto our best players. I've heard the rumour, but that is all it is at the moment." O'Connor was posted missing for Saturday's 3-1 loss at Dundee United, resting a toe complaint which has restricted his movement, but he could be back in action tonight. Speaking yesterday, Fenlon added: "He's had five or six days' off now and he trained this morning and he looked a lot more comfortable in his movement and his running." With Hibs in a precarious position at the wrong end of the SPL, Fenlon is looking to recruit players rather than let any leave. He has already made enquiries about extending Leigh Griffiths' loan. Fenlon has spoken to Mick McCarthy, manager of Griffiths' parent club Wolves, with his current loan deal set to expire on 9 January. Fenlon said: "We want to keep Leigh, I think he wants to stay. I did speak to Mick and he was happy enough to let him stay. I know they were maybe in a position where they were looking to sell him. We just have to wait to see how that develops." Looking at the rest of the squad and how they are reacting to their predicament, Fenlon is keen for the collective squad confidence to be boosted. He said: "We need to be mentally tougher and stronger and stand up to things. It seems to prey on our mind a bit when we concede goals so that's what we're working on to change, in training and with them individually. But we'll turn it round. We can bring in one or two who can help us in that department - mentally tougher, stronger characters. A dressing room has to have a combination of all those things and we'll need one or two that will come into that bracket for us, as well as being good players."
Source: FOOTYMAD
