BY ALAN TEMPLE – @CCP_Sport
HIBERNIAN head coach Neil Lennon has revealed that the capital club have an option to sign loan star Florian Kamberi on a permanent deal – and insists the towering Swiss striker is making a compelling case.
The 23-year-old notched a treble last night as the Hibees moved to within one point of third-placed Rangers with a 3-1 triumph over Hamilton, who saw Dougie Imrie dismissed.
Kamberi now boasts six goals from eight appearances since arriving from Grasshoppers Zurich in January and even Lennon confesses to a sense of surprise at the impact made by the raw front-man.
And, despite being contracted to the Swiss Superleague side until 2019, he could be set for a much longer stay in Edinburgh.
“I’m delighted with Florian and what he’s brought to the team,” lauded Lennon. “He’s got good pace and his work rate is phenomenal. There’s no doubt he’s made us better.
“The longer the trial period went on in January, the more I thought I can work with this kid – but he has surprised me.
“We’ve an option to buy and we will be considering that, but performances like that do him no harm.”
Kamberi’s masterclass in finishing was pivotal, given a clumsy fumble by Ofir Marciano has allowed Accies to take an early lead through Marios Ogkmpoe.
“Ofir made a mistake and he looked rusty,” added Lennon. “But he’s been tremendous for me and earned us 10 to 12 points this season. He held his hands up. These things happen.”
